Morton Grove
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POEHLMANN BROTHERS
The largest, floral establishment in the country has made Morton Grove famous and advertised in every part of the globe, through the untiring energy, business ability and sagacity as well as generosity of the Poehlmann Brothers. Their ideas, being large and broad-minded, has reflected into their lives and business, or floral profession rather, a corresponding magnitude.
When we think of Morton Grove, instantaneously is pictured into our imagination the largest conservatory in the country. The synopsis of the growth and development of this ideal floral establishment began in the spring of 1890, when August Poehlmann took a trip to Milwaukee and induced his brother John to enter with Adolph and himself in the floral business.
The combined capital of the three brothers totaled $6,090.00 including the value of their greenhouse plant, then owned by Adolph Poehlmann. Because of close attention given by the partners in their different departments, the venture proved a success from the start.
Poehlmann Brothers Company Wholesale Florists. Views of Plants A, B, and C
A verbal understanding binding the partners to a working agreement for 10 years was rigidly carried out, after which the firm of Poehlmann Brothers was dissolved, the old plant being purchased by John and August Poehlmann. Adolph Poehlmann erected the first house and which is known as Plant B. After one
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year the brothers decided to consolidate the two plants, and the present corporation of Poehlmann Brothers Company was formed, with John W. Poehlmann, now deceased, as President; Adolph H. Poehlmann, Vice-President, and August F. Poehlmann, Secretary and Treasurer, and directors of the company.
Rumors have been circulated from time to time that others have large interests in the concern, but this has been found to be without foundation. The management of this immense concern is now chiefly in the hands of August Poehlmann and his brother Adolph.
The splendid co-operation, honesty and trust of this remarkable family in each other is exhibited again in their intention to take on the younger generation as soon as they are capable and show their ability. There are five boys now in line as successors. It is sincerely hoped by their fathers that these young men will prove as capable and energetic as their fathers before them.
The yearly consumption of coal in this, the largest greenhouse establishment in the country, amounts to 135,000 tons; the payroll last year was $245,000.00.
There are close to eight miles of greenhouses, 27 feet wide - 300 to 400 men are constantly employed.
The Poehlmann Company has recently gone into the palm-growing industry and already have the largest stock of palms west of Philadelphia.
The orchid departments consist of eight large greenhouses, 250 feet long each. Collectors are sent annually to South American jungles to collect them.
At the present time, a collector is busy in the Philippines, gathering and curing orchids for later shipment to the plant at Morton Grove.
Since plants and cut flowers are shipped to all parts of the United States and Canada, there are very few florists anywhere that have not at one time or another had business dealings with this well-known firm.
Gustave A. Poehlmann, one of the brothers, has been timekeeper and cashier for the plant during the past two years. He came from Milwaukee, but was formerly a well-known man in the bakery business on the north side of Chicago.
The first sad break in this family of note came in the death of. John W. Poehlmann, the President, July 14, 1916, who did many a man a service, unasked and unknown. He is mourned by all who knew him. His obituary follows here as befitting a man, of his sterling worth:
Obituary OF JOHN WILLIAM POEHLMANN
John William Poehlmann, President of Poehlmann Bros. Co., well-known Chicago wholesale florists, died at his late residence, 4728 Beacon Street, July 14, aged 49 years. He was born in Milwaukee, Wis., of German parentage, and was associated with his father, John George Poehlmann, in the retail grocery trade in that city until 1890, when he and his brothers, Adolph and August, formed a. partnership and started in the florist business at Morton Grove. The deceased looked after the sales end, the growing details being in the hands of his brothers. A distributing station was established in the basement of the quarters formerly occupied by the Geo. Wittbold Co., at 1309 North Clark Street. The business was a wonderful success from the start, and in 1901 was incorporated under the name of Poehlmann Bros. Co., with a paid-up capital of $90,000. Shortly after, they moved to more commodious downtown quarters, at 30 East Randolph Street, but their ever increasing business made another change necessary and they moved to their present location at 72-74 East Randolph Street.
John Poehlmann was exceptionally industrious, and, aided by his energetic brothers, established the largest wholesale cut flower business in the country, the range of houses at Morton Grove, 14 miles from Chicago, consisting of more than 2,000,000 feet of glass devoted exclusively to cut flowers and plants. In addition, the supply department, which was added a few years ago, as a matter of accommodation to their many customers throughout the United
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States and Canada, has grown to splendid proportions, and the high reputation enjoyed by the company today throughout the trade is a fitting testimonial to John Poehlmann and his brothers, who embarked in the business with very limited capital.
Up to about a year ago, the deceased was active at. the store, but at that time complained of not feeling well, and it was thought he was suffering from appendicitis. An operation, however, revealed the cause of his illness to be a severe case of cancer of the stomach. He had been gradually failing in health for some time and dropped in, weight from 240 pounds at the time of the operation to. 120 pounds at death. His condition was known to be serious for some time, and his many friends have been anxious about him, but notwithstanding the fact that he suffered untold agony, bringing to him the realization that the end was not far off, he never complained and bore up with the same determined spirit that characterized his successful life.
John Poehlmann was married in 1894 to Miss Frieda Ottenbacher, of Morton Grove, whose death occurred June 11, 1898. Six years later he was married to Miss Emma Parker, a sister of Mrs. Guy French, who with two children by his first marriage,
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John, aged 21, and Frieda, aged 20, survive him. He also leaves four brothers and two sisters: Gustave, Adolph, George, August, Mrs. Lena Reimers and Mrs. Bertha, Hoppe.
The funeral was held from the residence on Beacon Street, with interment in the family lot in Graceland cemetery, J. C. Vaughan, C. L. Washburn, Andrew Chronis, August Lange, E. F. Winterson and Ed. Enders acting as pallbearers. The honorary escort was composed of E. C. Amling, George Asmus, M. Barker, L. R. Bohannon, A. H. Budlong, Chicago; Philip Breitmeyer, Detroit, Mich.; Alpha Elberfeld, Kansas City, Mo.; P. J. Foley, 0. J. Friedman, H. B. Howard. John Mangel, J. H. MeNeilly, John Muir, H. 0. Nichols, E. A. Ollinger, J. Pickett, Peter Reinberg, A. L. Randall, Arnold Ringier, C. A. Samuelson, W. J. Smyth, Ernst Wienhoeber, George Wienhoeber, and Louis Wittbold, Chicago. The services were largely attended and showed the high esteem in which Mr. Poehlmann was held by a wide circle of friends and business associates. The floral tributes were many and included some very handsome designs, every wholesale house in the Chicago market, as well as from outside points, together with many firms not in the trade, sending a final token of esteem. The burial was on a. beautiful summer day, and as the officiating clergyman said his farewell prayer over the remains, a brown thrush on the top of one of the lofty trees, nearby sang the requiem. —(Courtesy of The American Florist, July 22.)
MORTON GROVE
Morton Grove, covering part of Sections 19-20-21,16-17-18 and about 1,800 acres, was organized by George Harrer, Oct. 24, 1895. He was for fourteen years its valiant President. Mr. E. W. Adams, Secretary of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway, writes. June 5, 1916, that Morton Grove was named after an official of this company, Levi P. Morton, who was Vice-President of the United States many years ago, and at one time trustee of some of the mortgages of the C., M. & St. P. R. R.
Mr. Jacob Hoffman is the first and oldest depot agent on the St. Paul Railroad. He has acted in this capacity for thirty years.
In 1884 there were near the station a store, post office, saloon and a few residences.
Morton Grove is classed among the thriving communities northwest of Chicago. It has a population of about 1,500 and the improvements of a well-governed city. It is located about 14 miles from Chicago on the C., M.& St. P. R.R.
The Chicago department stores deliver to all parts of Niles Township. It is the home of many Chicago business men who reside in Morton Grove. Its natural beauty is unsurpassed, and its schools rank most favorably with those of Chicago.
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MORTON GROVE OFFICIALS 1916
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| August Poehlmann | President | J. Lochner | Trustee | |
| Henry H. Dilg | Clerk | Adolph Poehlmann | Police Magistrate | |
| Fred Elsner | Trustee | Herbert S. Scharenberg | Treasurer | |
| Henry Fink | Trustee | Herbert A. Dilg | Collector | |
| George Harrer | Trustee | H. Hylleberg | Police | |
| Henry Loutsch | Trustee | Peter J. Haupt | Commissioner of Public Works | |
| Louis F. Riemer | Trustee | Chas. P. Peschke | County Constable | |
The Morton Grove Volunteer Fire Company was organized October 8, 1904. It has one of the most thoroughly equipped fire departments northwest of Chicago. The company is always ready to give the use of the equipment to the neighboring villages.
The company consists of fifty members. The men at the first meeting were:
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Julius H. Geweke |
Joseph Hoss |
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August F. Poehlmann |
George Harrer |
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Peter Schultz |
Fred Dilg |
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H. C. Lavette |
Henry Theobald |
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Charles Blischke |
Charles Dethman |
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Daniel Biesman |
Charles Peschke |
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Fred Altenbacker |
George Birkholdt |
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John Hillam |
Chas. Christ |
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Herman Ketz |
August Schoenberg |
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The Morton Grove Volunteer Fire Company officers elected were:
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George Harrer |
President |
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Fred Dilg |
Vice-President |
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Henry Theobald |
Secretary |
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August Poehlmann |
Treasurer |
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A. A. Schoenenberg |
Chief |
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Chas. Blischke |
Engineer |
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Fred Altenbacher |
Captain Hook and Ladder |
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Chas. Peschke |
Captain Hose |
The apparatus is housed in the Village Hall, is centrally located and well selected for quick action. To the tireless energy and liberality of Joseph Hoss, its present Fire Chief, is due much of the success and development of the company and the esteem in which they are held and appreciated by the citizens.
Morton Grove Volunteer Fire Company present officers:
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George Harrer |
President |
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Joseph Hoss |
Chief |
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W. V. Marshall |
Secretary |
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Fred Kruse |
Captain Hose |
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H. S. Scharenberg |
Vice-President |
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William Busscher |
Treasurer |
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Mathew Boemmels |
Engineers |
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Ed. Rummel |
Captain Hook and Ladder |
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Mr. Fred Dilg, son of John and Magdalena Dilg, and who departed Monday, March 1st, 1909, a young man of 46 years, was born upon the old Dilg homestead February 15, l863. In 1885 he married Miss Seana Torieck. The first nine years they farmed. There are three bright children, well known to the community – Herbert A., Lillian and Irwin A. Dilg.
After Mr. Fred Dilg gave up the farm he entered into the general store business in which he was engaged for fourteen years. It is the most prominent corner in Morton Grove and the building immediately greets the arrival from the depot. Mr. Dilg was a faithful postmaster for fourteen years, a member of the Village Board twelve years from the time it organized until his death and one of the organizers of the Morton Grove Fire Company, and of the Village of Morton Grove. Because of his faithfulness, charity and honesty Mr. Dilg made a host of friends. When he was laid to rest March 4th, 1909, in Schroeder's Cemetery in the Town of Maine, the entire community mourned his loss and business was suspended for the day.
His funeral was one of the largest in this part of the country. Many were there who attest their present day prosperity to him. It was his pleasure to help people start and he would finance them without any security in their own business. It is to his benevolence that some prominent citizens of Morton Grove can trace their success and happiness back to him. He was really the first man to build up a village and one of the first businessmen in the township.
Herbert A. Dilg, Collector for the Village of Morton Grove is the first son and in acts of trust follows in the footsteps of his honored father. He has recently opened up the Morton Grove Garage on Lincoln Avenue, one of the finest, in Cook County. He had formerly managed the Morton Grove Exchange but on account of the liquor question in the state he decided to go into the garage business. He has spared no expense no effort in installing the latest equipment and finest machinery that can be put into a place of this kind.
He says he is here to serve the people and give them service,
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showing no partiality but treating them all alike. Besides proving a valuable public official, Herbert A. Dilg has won medals in different shooting matches like his father, whom the state presented with three gold medals and a $100.00 gun on different occasions.
Irwin A. Dilg, who is manager for his mother in the Morton Grove Exchange, carries on the business established and interrupted by the death of his father. He is a well-educated young man. After graduating from the Morton Grove School he graduated at the head of his classes both from the Metropolitan and the Chicago Business Colleges. Besides being a capable manager he is a violinist and a successful pitcher for the Morton Grove baseball team for years. He is a good hunter and usually bags his game.
Both Herbert and Irwin have a remarkable true aim and like their mourned father, have won prizes.
When Miss Lillian Dilg was first appointed postmaster, she had the honor of being the youngest one in the United States. Before her official appointment she had been her father's assistant for a number of years before, and after his death his work was carried on by Miss Lillian, which position she has graced for seven years.
Miss Dilg, with her charming geniality, has gained a large circle of friends, is always ready to take an interest in strangers in directing them on their way and enlightening their problems. The post office is an ideal one, open Sundays as well as late evenings. She is a graduate of the Morton Grove School and of the Niles Center German Lutheran School and of the Chicago Business College. Mrs. Fred Dilg and her daughter, Lillian, are esteemed by the community and transients passing through.
Of the dear old pioneers left, one that appeals is Mrs. Maria Magdalena Dilg, aged 77, July 11, 1916, and living in Morton Grove most of her life. She is the daughter of pioneer George Gabel, who came here in 1843 from Wurttemberg, Germany; the widow of John Dilg, deceased since April 14th, 1902. He was the owner of 484 acres, was highly esteemed and prided himself upon the fact that he had never been in court in all his life.
He was the inspector of the toll roads for Henry Harms and afterwards for Amos Snell.
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She was the mother of 13 children, three now dead, Margaret, Maria Magdalena, Annie, John, Fred, Kate, Dora, Cora, Philapina Herman, George, Mary, Henry. She counts 30 living grandchildren and 10 dead, 6 great-grandchildren, all living.
While her family surround her mostly in Niles Township, some of them are distributed throughout Chicago, Joliet, Deerfield, and St. Louis, Mo.
When she came here 72 years ago, she tells of the peaceful Indians who camped at Deerfield. They would come to Niles Township to beg and barter. The first seven years that Mrs. Dilg was married she did not go to Chicago, being too busy with her store and rapidly increasing family. The habit is still with the dear old lady, and she has a fortune in beautiful hand made treasures for her loving family. Every moment is worth just as much now as in her girlhood days. She is independent and happy. She makes
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her home with Henry Dilg, the trustee and general storekeeper having her own apartments.
In the year 1880 the evening that her husband brought home $1,800.00 some one who knew about it chloroformed the dogs and the family. This large amount was taken from the safe in their bedroom. While the thief or thieves were never apprehended, they had an idea who the perpetrator was.
Henry H. Dilg, her son, on the Village Board continuously for ten years, is an organizer and director of the bank, a member of the Niles Township Improvement Association and of the Volunteer Fire Company. He owns one of the fine homes in the township, is respected and public spirited.
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SOME MORTON GROVE PEOPLE
George Harrer, the wholesale florist, was the organizer and Village President for fourteen years. No doubt he met with many difficulties during its initial formation.
The first school board members were: George Harrer, J.A. Hoffman and Joseph Haupt (deceased).
Mr. Harrer lived in Niles Center before becoming a resident of Morton Grove, marrying Miss Mary Yehl, daughter of the pioneer, George Yehl, who came in the .fifties from Bavaria, Germany. Mr. Harrer has a fine family of three boys and five daughters, of which the oldest is George, now with the Dekker Bros. Packing Company, Mason City, Iowa. All the others are enjoying the home prepared for them by their energetic parents - Olivia, Eleanor, Mae, Ernestine, Raymond, Lambert and Caroline. Even though Mr. Harrer had a hard fight to organize, it did not discourage him, and he continually worked for better school conditions. When he tried to establish a township high school, he would be confronted with this query: "Where are the children?"
Previous to 1890, he was in the general store business, but at this time is a florist. He has about 20,000 square feet of glass, on an acreage of about three and one-half. When he organized the Village here there was one virgin forest; Edgebrook was its nearest depot. His parents, Henry and Catherine (Neeb) Harrer, came from Bavaria, Germany, in 1845, and settled in Niles Township. Mr. Harrer was one of the organizers of the Volunteer Fire Company, together with Joseph Hoss and Fred Dilg. Mr. Hoss is liberal, energetic and worked unceasingly day and night for the interests of citizens and the town.
Mr. Alfred Berg, with Ed. Niemann, was born of pioneer parents, in Niles Center. They came in 1866 from Mamberg, Germany, and he was one of the early truck growers of 60 acres.
Barney Connolly, here in Niles Township ten years, came from Park Ridge in 1895; his father, from Massachusetts, was its oldest centenarian, living to the age of 104 and five days. When the electric light plant at Park Ridge was owned by Michael Schiessle, in the station where Perkins' warehouse now stands, he was its manager. He worked eight years as painter for Poehlmann Bros. He is now in his own prosperous business.
Michael Conrad, former Cook County Constable and early horseshoer, working for George Busscher, Sr., has been a truck farmer for 15 years. His wife, Lena De Temple, has made him a good working partner. He is the son of Michael Conrad who came here from Trier, Germany.
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Henry Fink, bank director and trustee, is the general contractor born here of pioneer people. His father, John L., came in 1842 from Germany. Mr. Henry Fink is a former member of the School Board, District No. 67 and 69. He believes in investing his money in Morton Grove. He married Miss Bertha Beckmann, of Evanston, and they have a nice family, of which he is justly proud, two boys and a girl.
Max Finke, of similar name, came four years ago from Chicago. He does most of the important plumbing work both here and in Niles Center. Because he is both liberal and honest he has quickly come to the front, doing the plumbing for such places as The Dells, the Lincoln Tavern, Louis Riemer, Sidney Danley, Henry Fink, Messrs. Franz, Berghold, Schiller, Jacob Hoffman, Frank Browder and R. Weight. He is well satisfied because he cast his lot here, saying that it is a good place to locate for people of good sound sense.
He has a comfortable home on Railroad Avenue and Elm Street.
The John and Joseph Fluger Brothers are doing a good business in the grocery line, corner Fernald and Lincoln Avenues. Their father, John, came in the early sixties from Grand Rapids, Mich., and settled on a fifty-acre farm south of Niles Center, where the boys were born and raised. They are always glad to be able to assist in any public feature, even though it may be a sacrifice to themselves.
Harry J. Mueller, of the Morton Grove Trust & Savings Bank, where he has been for 22 years, was educated in Morton Grove and at the Metropolitan Business College, Chicago. He is the son of William and Emma (Steffen) Mueller.
Joseph Hoss, of Morton Grove, was successful in obtaining county aid which built the Scott bridge in the Village of Morton Grove, erected jointly by the County, the C., M. & St. R. R. and the village. Mr. Hoss has been tirelessly active in working for "Good Roads." He was appointed, in company with George H. Klehm and George Landeck, by the officials of the Cook County Truck Gardeners Association to make all arrangements for the "Good Roads Day" held in the village of Niles for the dedication of Milwaukee avenue. There was a gathering of about 5,000 people to celebrate the occasion. Among the notable speakers were Hon. Peter M. Hoffmann, of Des Plaines, Hon. Peter Reinberg, President of the Cook County Board of Commissioners, and Mr. Edens, President of the Associated Good Roads Association of Illinois. The address of welcome was made by Mr. George Harrer, Trustee of the Village of Morton Grove.
The road was christened by Miss Virginia Poehlmann.
Mr. Hoss was appointed Chairman by Peter Reinberg of the Cook County Delegates, which delegation went to Springfield to have the "Tice Law" amended for a continuous hard road, in which he was successful. He was elected Justice of the Peace for Cook County by the Niles Township people and did such acceptable work in this trying office that Hon. Robert M. Sweitzer sent him a splendid letter of appreciation for his commendable work. Mr. Joseph Hoss has recently turned his attention more to his extensive transfer business between Chicago and especially the northern Cook County suburban towns, in which he is assisted by his son, who is just as bright, generous, willing to always confer a favor as his father.
Mr. Joseph Hoss never loses an opportunity to do a kind act in assisting others. It is to him that the needy go and are never turned away hungry.
His large motor trucks do much to advertise Morton Grove to the general public. His business has increased to a remarkable degree and he has had to apply himself almost continuously. His successful endeavors for Niles Township's advancement have gained him much favorable mention beyond the confines of the village. He is well known throughout the state and is a lover of natural sports and the hunt.
David Fielweber, of Morton Grove, has made such a good Supervisor that he has been elected 15 terms. He has been on the School Board for 18 years and a Village Trustee for 13 years.
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David Fielweber was born in Long Grove, Lake County, Illinois, December 16, 1856, son of Jacob Fielweber, who came to Chicago from Alsace-Loraine in 1847, where he had fought under Napoleon in the war against Russia.
His mother was Miss Kate (Hirschberger) Fielweber, also from. Alsace.
Mr. Fielweber in private life is the township blacksmith, which he has been ever since 1875. During 1892 he had eight men working for him. He built up his trade, and in 1882 he bought up his present three acres and improved it with four good buildings. July 2nd, 1882, he married Miss Mary Nethling, a daughter of John A. Nethling, who is a retired farmer in Wheeling. His family consists of three daughters, Clara, Ella and Loretta, two of whom are married to brothers, Ferdinand Wilke and William Wilke.
Because of his very satisfactory work as horseshoer and wagon maker he has the farmer trade for miles around.
His comfortable home is open to the needy and though he is liberal with his own private donations, what pleases him most is the gratitude extended to him by the public electing him so often as the Township Supervisor.
Henry Loutsch, Trustee, both in Niles Center and Morton Grove for several terms, came to this country when a young man of 21 years. After traveling all over the United States from coast to coast, he decided to locate in Niles Township, where he has been about 28 years.
He is a born Luxembourger. He established himself first in the meat market business in Niles Center in 1891, but sold out in 1901 and started in Morton Grove, where he put up a fine place called the Loutsch building, corner of Georgiana and Lincoln avenues. He carries only the best grades of goods and has a valuable route throughout this district.
Mr. Loutsch has always been identified with progressive features of the village and an endorser of up-to-date advertising methods. He has served five terms as Township Collector, Chairman of the Finance Committee of the Village Board, one of the ardent workers for the installation of its excellent sewer, water and light system and an organizer and stockholder of the bank.
Mr. Loutsch is assisted in his business by his sons, Harry and George, of which there are two more - John and Arthur.
He married Miss Catherine Weis of Niles Center, a lady who has a large circle of friends.
Mr. Guy W. French, of French & Salm, is one of the Morton Grove old-time florists. He has specialized in the Russell Rose and has a. fine conservatory at Union Grove, Wis. He has served six consecutive terms as Village Treasurer and resigned only on account, of the pressure of his own business taking him so much out of Morton Grove.
He has been President of the Chicago Florist's Club, Manager of the Chicago Grand Floral Festival, and of the National Flower Show, Philadelphia, 1916. He was attracted to Morton Grove because of splendid opportunities for the floral business—its beauty electricity, water and hard roads—its progressive Village Board. In 1908 he married Miss Marie L. Parker.
Mr. French was with Poehlmann Bros. from April, 1898, until March, 1915, having charge of their carnation and "mum" departments. He is in partnership with Mr. Richard Salm. They are the largest exclusive growers of the Russell Rose in this country. Their success has been phenomenal. Mr. French still retains his residence in Morton Grove. They have three fine children.
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Fred Huscher, the oldest settler of Morton Grove, died February 22, 1916. Together, he with Michael and Medard Lochner, are the real pioneers of Morton Grove. Thomas Wheldon, an Englishman, one of the first, came early and his son, George, lives in the old homestead, where the first white child, his father, was born. This is just west of Morton, near the dam.
Mr. Schwartz was also an early settler.
Charles P. Peschke, the horse shoer, built his establishment 15 years ago, coming from Chicago. His father, Charles A., is one of the pioneers in that line there, and is still located at Kedzie & Armitage Avenues, where he has been for 32 years.
The "Lincoln Tavern," owned by Mrs. May Peache, and managed by Dan Saunders, is situated on the original Huscher farm, pioneer and father of Fred Huscher.
Mrs. Peache, because of sentimental reasons, has allowed the picturesque original log cabin home of the Huscher's to remain as one of the "Tavern's" attractions, recalling the log home of our "Honest Abe" Lincoln.
This beautiful spot covers three acres of old orchards, croquet grounds, garages, dancing porches and private dining rooms.
Mr. P. F. Proehl, of the Morton Grove Dells, which is managed by Felix Rachbauer, and famed far and wide for its chicken and other dinners, came here from the Auditorium Annex, Chicago. He acted as its superintending caterer for twenty years, but for the past two, with his wife and daughter, they made their residence in beautiful Italy.
The war drove them back to America. He had intended, together with Burton Holmes, the lecturer, to open up a large and permanent Casino in Bermuda, but there, also, Bermuda being an English passion, they were driven back.
With this interesting and world-wide experience, Mr. Proehl and family took over the "Dell's," where he is well trained to run a high-class restaurant and act as caterer.
His manner, Felix Rachbauer, coming from the South Side Country Club where he has had years of valuable experience as manager, makes an admirable associate for Mr. Proehl. Mrs. Proehl is a musician and conductor of much ability and experience and leading pianist, and among her dearest mementoes are valuable autographs and photos of her personal friends and associates in the world of music - Jean and Eduoard De Reszke; Calve.; Caruso; Nellie Melba; J. J. Paderewski; Marcella Sembrich; Emma Eames Story, .W. Rosenthal; Johanna Gadski; C. V. Dippel; Lillian Nordica; G. Campanini; Clarence Eddy; Susan Strong; Edward Strauss; Philip Sousa; Geraldine Farrar. Mrs. Proehl has been the leader of the orchestra at both the South Shore Country Club and the Annex.
Mr. Henry Schaefer, the Evanston carpenter contractor, has built quite a number of first class homes there. He is working in Morton Grove, where he put up the well built home for Mr. Pollex, and is altering one of the houses belonging to Mrs. Dilg.
John Singleton, the painter, formerly associated with Mr. Brunger, has been in Morton Grove 17 years, coming from Niles Center. Mr. Singleton has a good circuit of contracts in Niles Township.
William T. Sonne, born here, is the son. of Charles and Ernestine (Huscher), who hailed from Herford and Asch, Germany. respectfully. He is Judge of Election, former Village Clerk and School Director, a draftsman, and a genius of mechanical ability.
William Teegan, here 23 years, came from Hamburg, Germany, where he was also a florist. He is a grower of high grade carnations, bedding and potted plants, both wholesale and retail.
They have one daughter, who is bookkeeper at the Poehlmann Plant.
August Weber has just located in Morton, coming from Chicago, where he resided for 18 years, coming from West Prussia. Mr. Weber, Sr, is still living at the advanced age of 105 years. Mr. Weber purchased the traditional spot where Mr. Miller kept the saw mill where logs were run down stream. It is now marked
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by the fine culvert and railroad bridge, which engineering problem racked the brains of mechanical ability.
Otto (von) Vielitz, the brave little steeple “Jack” came here from Hanover, Germany, where he thoroughly learned his profession.
He has been busy for months at the Poehlmann Plants, where he thinks nothing of climbing within a few moments, the tall smokestacks which mark the location of Morton Grove for miles around.
He uses only the best of material, and recommends the Graphite Paints of Detroit. He painted the water tower of 128 feet height at North Chicago; at Lake Zurich, 110 feet; the tower for George McKinlock, Lake Forest, President of the General Electric Company of Chicago; Louis F. Swift, packer; the Onwentsia Club’s. The height of the water tanks and towers hold no “Waterloos” for him. He does all the work for the McCormick estate, often making the aeroplane trips with this millionaire 70 feet above water, over Lake Michigan, at the rate of 110 miles per hour. Besides being a genius in his profession, he is the sole support of his family. His father has been an invalid for years.
William Wichmann, together with his son Fred, have the oldest and best established milk route in the township. Their herd consists of 25 to 30 well-kept cows. They pasture on a farm of one hundred acres, good evidence of “milk and cream from contented cows.”
Situated at the corner of Milwaukee Avenue and Ballard Road, they carry on a scientific dairy. After experimenting with several breeds, they chose the Guernsey entirely. His sons are William, Jr., Fred, Hermann, and the daughter, Mathilda. All are busy at the “Guernsey dairy” of pure milk and cream.
HERBERT S. SCHARENBERG
Village Treasurer, President of the Morton Grove Volunteer Fire Department and Cashier of the Morton Grove Trust and Savings Bank, has been in the banking business for seventeen years. He has served as Clerk of School District No. 70 for three years past. The fact that Morton Grove needed a bank is what attracted him here five years ago from Jefferson, where his parents, Edward and Bertha Scharenberg, were pioneers from Germany in 1849.
The story of this bank cashier is one of rapid rise. While still attending the Jefferson Park School, his first position was that of a bellboy at Fox Lake, Ill. There he met Mr. Nelson N. Lampert, now Vice President of the Fort Dearborn National Bank, who asked him to call when he had finished school in 1899. He was with Mr. Lampert three years. In 1913 the Hamilton National Bank was organized and Mr. Scharenberg accepted a. position of trust with them and soon was made manager of the transit department, and successively became city bookkeeper, receiving teller, general bookkeeper. In 1908 the National City Bank purchased the entire business
of the Hamilton Bank and he was one of the eight clerks selected out of a total number of sixty-eight who were taken over by the National City Bank of Chicago. He was a teller only a short time, became a general man, and shortly after was appointed assistant to the chief clerk, where he remained until he was elected cashier of the Morton Grove Trust and Savings. Not being satisfied with the progress of large institutions, Mr. Scharenberg
being progressive, conceived the idea of organizing the Morton Grove Trust and Savings Bank, of which he would be the cashier. The movement was heartily received by all the business men of the Village and subscriptions for stock were exhausted in less than
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forty-eight hours, the being a total of sixty-seven stockholders. Application to organize was dated February 5th, 1912, and signed by Henry Fink, Herbert S. Scharenberg, Mrs. Fred Dilg, August Geweke, Jacob A. Hoffman, Louis H. Grimme. A bank building was immediately started and the capital and surplus collected and deposited with the National City Bank of Chicago, Ill.
In November the building was completed. December 6th, 1912, a charter was granted by the State Auditor of Illinois. The bank opened for business December 21st, 1912 - a very successful day for the bank, and practically assured those connected with it of its certain success.
The following is a list of Officers and Directors who have been connected with the bank from its inception:
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Morton Grove Trust and Savings Bank Officers and Directors |
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August Geweke |
President |
William Geweke |
Director |
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August F. Poehlmann |
Vice-President |
A. H. Poehlmann |
Director |
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H. S. Scharenberg |
Cashier |
John H. Ruesch |
Director |
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August F. Poehlmann |
Director |
Edwin L. Wagner |
Director |
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August Geweke |
Director |
Herbert S. Scharenberg |
Director |
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Henry H. Dilg |
Director |
R. W. Drostenfels |
Director |
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Henry Fink |
Director |
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MORTON GROVE CHURCH
Rev. O. Heidtke, of the Evangelical Lutheran Jerusalem Church, is the present pastor of the only church of Morton Grove. This church was established in 1903 by the following organizers: Julius H. Geweke, Chas. Blischke, H. Fraedrich, Lud. Frier, Aug. Poehlmann, Adolph Poehlmann, H. Buddy, Fredk. Dilg, J. Hillmann.
The church and parsonage with its half block of land is valued at $15,000, and was built to hold a seating capacity of three hundred. The Rev. Theo. Thurow from Wauwatosa, Wis., was the first to serve, but leaving the following year. The present pastor, Rev. 0. Heidtke, has remained ever since. He has been able to keep up with the growing and increasing members. Besides his many duties as teacher, in both German and English, of the different grades, and the Sunday school, he is also able to act as director of its mixed choir. Since this is the only church, Rev. Heidtke is always glad to welcome every denomination, and therefore preaches in English.
In 1907 he was married to Miss Elsie Schmidt, and their family consists of three, Frances, Evelyn and Rhoda.
Rev. Heidtke, though born in Germany, came at an early age with them to Wauwatosa, Wis. He entered the N. W. University at Watertown and has received several degrees at the different institutions, one of which was at Albany, Wisconsin.
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OFFICERS OF THE VILLAGE OF MORTON GROVE
SINCE ORGANIZATION
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1895 VILLAGE OF MORTON GROVE OFFICERS |
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1896 VILLAGE OF MORTON GROVE OFFICERS |
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George Harrer |
President |
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George Harrer |
President |
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J. A. Hoffman |
Trustee |
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J. A. Hoffman |
Trustee |
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Aug. F. Poehlmann |
Trustee |
Aug. F. Poehlmann |
Trustee |
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Fred Dilg |
Trustee |
David Fielweber |
Trustee |
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Chas. Guenther |
Trustee |
Fred Dilg |
Trustee |
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Wm. H. Muller |
Trustee |
Wm. H. Muller |
Trustee |
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David Fielweber |
Trustee |
Wm. H. Huscher |
Trustee |
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A. F. Helming |
Village Clerk |
M. J. Lochner |
Village Clerk |
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Adolph H. Poehlmann |
Police Magistrate |
Adolph H. Poehlmann |
Police Magistrate |
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F.A. Bingham |
Village Attorney |
F.A. Bingham |
Village Attorney |
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M.M. Lochner |
Treasurer |
M.M. Lochner |
Treasurer |
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John Koller |
Marshal |
John Koller |
Marshal |
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1897 VILLAGE OF MORTON GROVE OFFICERS |
1898 VILLAGE OF MORTON GROVE OFFICERS |
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George Harrer |
President |
George Harrer |
President |
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Fred Dilg |
Trustee |
Aug. F. Poehlmann |
Trustee |
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Wm. H. Muller |
Trustee |
David Fielweber |
Trustee |
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Wm. C. Ross |
Trustee |
Chas. Guenther |
Trustee |
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Aug. F. Poehlmann |
Trustee |
Fred Dilg |
Trustee |
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David Fielweber |
Trustee |
Wm. C. Ross |
Trustee |
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Chas. Guenther |
Trustee |
Joseph Haupt |
Trustee |
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M.J. Lochner |
Village Clerk |
M.J. Lochner |
Village Clerk |
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Adolph H. Poehlmann |
Police Magistrate |
Adolph H. Poehlmann |
Police Magistrate |
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M.M. Lochner |
Treasurer |
M.M. Lochner |
Treasurer |
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John Koller |
Marshal |
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Christ Koller |
Marshal |
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Chas. Theobald |
Street Commissioner |
Chas. Theobald |
Street Commissioner |
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1899 VILLAGE OF MORTON GROVE OFFICERS |
1900 VILLAGE OF MORTON GROVE OFFICERS |
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George Harrer |
President |
George Harrer |
President |
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Fred Dilg |
Trustee |
Aug. F. Poehlmann |
Trustee |
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Wm. C. Ross |
Trustee |
David Fielweber |
Trustee |
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Joseph Haupt |
Trustee |
Chas. Guenther |
Trustee |
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Aug. F. Poehlmann |
Trustee |
Fred Dilg |
Trustee |
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David Fielweber |
Trustee |
Fred Elsner |
Trustee |
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Chas. Guenther |
Trustee |
Joe Nellessen |
Trustee |
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M.J. Lochner |
Village Clerk |
W.P. Kirscht |
Village Clerk |
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Wm. J. Huscher |
Village Clerk |
Adolph H. Poehlmann |
Police Magistrate |
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Adolph H. Poehlmann |
Police Magistrate |
Julius H. Geweke |
Village Attorney |
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Julius H. Geweke |
Village Attorney |
M.M. Lochner |
Treasurer |
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M.M. Lochner |
Treasurer |
Chas. Theobald |
Street Commissioner |
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Chas. Theobald |
Street Commissioner |
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1901 VILLAGE OF MORTON GROVE OFFICERS |
1902 VILLAGE OF MORTON GROVE OFFICERS |
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George Harrer |
President |
George Harrer |
President |
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Fred Dilg |
Trustee |
Aug. F. Poehlmann |
Trustee |
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Fred Elsner |
Trustee |
David Fielweber |
Trustee |
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Joe Nellessen |
Trustee |
Louis Hoffman |
Trustee |
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Aug. F. Poehlmann |
Trustee |
Fred Dilg |
Trustee |
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David Fielweber |
Trustee |
Fred Elsner |
Trustee |
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Louis Hoffman |
Trustee |
Math. Boemmels |
Trustee |
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W. P. Kirscht |
Village Clerk |
W. P. Kirscht |
Village Clerk |
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Adolph H. Poehlmann |
Police Magistrate |
Adolph H. Poehlmann |
Police Magistrate |
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Julius H. Geweke |
Village Attorney |
Julius H. Geweke |
Village Attorney |
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Wm. H. Huscher |
Treasurer |
Henry Theobald |
Treasurer |
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Chas. Theobald |
Street Commissioner |
Wm. Ross |
Marshal |
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Joseph Haupt |
Street Commissioner |
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Page 65
|
1903 VILLAGE OF MORTON GROVE OFFICERS |
1904 VILLAGE OF MORTON GROVE OFFICERS |
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George Harrer |
President |
George Harrer |
President |
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Fred Dilg |
Trustee |
Aug. F. Poehlmann |
Trustee |
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Fred Elsner |
Trustee |
Louis Hoffman |
Trustee |
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Math. Boemmels |
Trustee |
John Pries |
Trustee |
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Aug. F. Poehlmann |
Trustee |
Fred Dilg |
Trustee |
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Louis Hoffman |
Trustee |
David Fielweber |
Trustee |
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John Pries |
Trustee |
Chas. Christ |
Trustee |
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William W. Sonne |
Village Clerk |
Wm. W. Sonne |
Village Clerk |
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Adolph H. Poehlmann |
Police Magistrate |
Adolph H. Poehlmann |
Police Magistrate |
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Julius H. Geweke |
Village Attorney |
Julius H. Geweke |
Village Attorney |
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Henry Theobald |
Treasurer |
Henry Theobald |
Treasurer |
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Wm. Ross |
Marshal |
Wm. Ross |
Marshal |
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Chas. Theobald |
Street Commissioner |
Chas. Theobald |
Street Commissioner |
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1905 VILLAGE OF MORTON GROVE OFFICERS |
1906 VILLAGE OF MORTON GROVE OFFICERS |
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George Harrer |
President |
George Harrer |
President |
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Fred Dilg |
Trustee |
Louis Hoffman |
Trustee |
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David Fielweber |
Trustee |
Joseph Haupt |
Trustee |
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Chas. Christ |
Trustee |
David Fielweber |
Trustee |
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Louis Hoffman |
Trustee |
Fred Dilg |
Trustee |
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John Pries |
Trustee |
Peter Schuetz |
Trustee |
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Joseph Haupt |
Trustee |
John Pries |
Trustee |
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Henry H. Dilg |
Village Clerk |
Henry H. Dilg |
Village Clerk |
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Adolph H. Poehlmann |
Police Magistrate |
Adolph H. Poehlmann |
Police Magistrate |
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Julius H. Geweke |
Village Attorney |
Henry Theobald |
Treasurer |
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Henry Theobald |
Treasurer |
Herman Ketz |
Marshal |
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Chas. Peschke |
Marshal |
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Chas. Theobald |
Street Commissioner |
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1907 VILLAGE OF MORTON GROVE OFFICERS |
1908 VILLAGE OF MORTON GROVE OFFICERS |
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George Harrer |
President |
August F. Poehlmann |
President |
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David Fielweber |
Trustee |
John Pries |
Trustee |
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Fred Dilg |
Trustee |
Henry Fink |
Trustee |
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Peter Schuetz |
Trustee |
Joe Hoss |
Trustee |
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John Pries |
Trustee |
James L. Moore |
Trustee |
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Joe Hoss |
Trustee |
Peter Schuetz |
Trustee |
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Henry Fink |
Trustee |
Fred Krueger |
Trustee |
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Henry H. Dilg |
Village Clerk |
M.J. Lochner |
Village Clerk |
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Adolph H. Poehlmann |
Police Magistrate |
Adolph H. Poehlmann |
Police Magistrate |
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Henry Theobald |
Treasurer |
E. C. Frank Meier |
Village Attorney |
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Herman Ketz |
Marshal |
Guy W. French |
Treasurer |
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Chas. Theobald |
Street Commissioner |
Chas. Peschke |
Marshal |
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Joseph Haupt |
Street Commissioner |
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1909 VILLAGE OF MORTON GROVE OFFICERS |
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1910 VILLAGE OF MORTON GROVE OFFICERS |
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Aug. F. Poehlmann |
President |
Aug. F. Poehlmann |
President |
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James L. Moore |
Trustee |
Henry Fink |
Trustee |
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Peter Schuetz |
Trustee |
Joe Hoss |
Trustee |
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Fred Krueger |
Trustee |
Louis Sickinger |
Trustee |
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Henry Fink |
Trustee |
Peter Schuetz |
Trustee |
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Joe Hoss |
Trustee |
Henry H. Dilg |
Trustee |
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Louis Sickinger |
Trustee |
Anton Baumann |
Trustee |
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M. J. Lochner |
Village Clerk |
M. J. Lochner |
Village Clerk |
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Adolph H. Poehlmann |
Police Magistrate |
Adolph H. Poehlmann |
Police Magistrate |
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Guy W. French |
Treasurer |
Guy W. French |
Treasurer |
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Chas. Peschke |
Marshal |
Chas. Peschke |
Marshall |
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Joseph Haupt |
Street Commissioner |
Joseph Haupt |
Street Commissioner |
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Page 66
|
1911 VILLAGE OF MORTON GROVE OFFICERS |
1912 VILLAGE OF MORTON GROVE OFFICERS |
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Aug. P. Poehlmann |
President |
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Aug. F. Poehlmann |
President |
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Peter Schuetz |
Trustee |
Henry H. Dilg |
Trustee |
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Henry H. Dilg |
Trustee |
Joe Hoss |
Trustee |
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Anton Baumann |
Trustee |
Richard Salm |
Trustee |
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Henry Fink, |
Trustee |
Henry Fink |
Trustee |
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John Pries |
Trustee |
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Henry Loutsch |
Trustee |
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Henry Loutsch |
Trustee |
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John Pries |
Trustee |
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M.J. Lochner , |
Village Clerk |
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M.J. Lochner |
Clerk |
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Adolph H. Poehlmann |
Police Magistrate |
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Adolph Poehlmann |
Police Magistrate |
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Guy W. French |
Treasurer |
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Guy W. French |
Treasurer |
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Thomas J. Crull, |
Marshal |
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Fred L. Huscher |
Collector |
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Fred Krueger |
Commissioner of Public Works |
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Fred M. Krueger |
Commissioner of Public Works |
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Joseph Hoss |
Fire Marshal |
Chas. Peschke |
Marshal |
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1913 VILLAGE OF MORTON GROVE OFFICERS |
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1914 VILLAGE OF MORTON GROVE OFFICERS |
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Aug. F. Poehlmann |
President |
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Aug. F. Poehlmann |
President |
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Henry H. Dilg, |
Trustee |
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Henry H. Dilg |
Trustee |
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Henry Fink |
Trustee |
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Henry Fink |
Trustee |
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George Harrer |
Trustee |
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George Harrer |
Trustee |
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Joe Hoss |
Trustee |
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Joe Hoss |
Trustee |
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Henry Loutsch |
Trustee |
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Henry Loutsch |
Trustee |
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Richard Salm |
Trustee |
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Richard Salm |
Trustee |
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M.J. Lochner |
Clerk |
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M.J. Lochner |
Clerk |
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Adolph Poehlmann |
Police Magistrate |
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Adolph Poehlmann |
Police Magistrate |
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Guy W. French |
Treasurer |
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Guy W. French |
Treasurer |
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Fred L. Huscher |
Collector |
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Herbert A. Dilg |
Collector |
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John C. Haupt |
Commissioner of Public Works |
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John C. Haupt |
Commissioner of Public Works |
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H. Hylleberg |
Police Marshal |
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H. Hylleberg |
Police Marshal |
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1915 VILLAGE OF MORTON GROVE OFFICERS |
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August F. Poehlmann |
President |
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Joe Hoss |
Trustee |
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Henry H. Dilg |
Trustee |
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George Harrer |
Trustee |
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L. F. Reimer |
Trustee |
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Fred Elsner |
Trustee |
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Wm. Mailander |
Trustee |
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M. J. Lochner |
Clerk |
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Herbert S. Scharenberg |
Treasurer |
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Peter J. Haupt |
Commissioner of Public Works |
Old Michael Lochner, over near where the dam used to be and the saw mill on Miller's Mill Road, came from Roeddinger, Germany, 1842. The Charles Huscher family came from Austria, two years before, from the town of Ochs, where his people had large Austrian possessions. Though a dyer by trade, Mr. Huscher became a florist with Mr. William Mueller as partner. His sister, Magdalena, married John Proesel. Mr. Lochner celebrated his 50th anniversary July 22, 1894. He laughingly tells of the time that he was stalled on Randolph Street between Fifth and Franklin with his oxen driven load of hickory wood, which was to be sold for a few "schillings," when candles were home made of wicks floating in lard. He plainly remembers the Indians camping around in their wigwams.
John Curtis was the earliest settler. He was the Englishman who settled on Section 17 in 1831, near where later Sylvester Beckwith located. Mr. Curtis remained in Niles until 1846.
John Dewes, also an Englishman, settled one-half mile north of Mr. Curtis, which was in the year of 1832 or 1833. They both returned to England not long after.
About this time John Schadiger and Julius Perren located on the North Branch of the Chicago River, within the limits of the present village of Niles, formerly Dutchman's Point. The shanty of John Schadiger is a traditional one.
In 1833 William Clark and his wife came out to Niles from Chicago and settled on the northeast quarter of Section 30. They lived there until some years later, when he bought a small farm of Benjamin Lupton. In 1879 Mr. Clark married a second time and around the year of 1884 lived one mile north of Niles.
Thomas Jefferson, Sr., located near Mr. Curtis in 1833, where his son, Thomas, Jr., later lived; still living on a farm near the Glenview Golf Club.
In the spring of 1834 Christian Ebinger, with his wife and John Plank, settled on the ridge extending northward from Norwood. He built a home on Section 31. John Plank's house was built on the next quarter section north.
John Ebinger, a brother of Christian, located south of him. Later Frederick Ebinger and his wife came to the ridge and located south of John.
It was as customary then as it is now for Americans to improperly speak of Germans as "Dutchmen." The point of timber and settlement received the name of “Dutchman's Point,” which name has held for many years, until about 1900 it became the Village of Niles.
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In 1834 John Odell settled on southwest quarter of Section 31; Robert Robinson on the northwest part of Caldwell’s Reserve; Elan Crane on the south half of Section 18; John Miller, a son-in-law of Elan Crane, located at the River near the line between Sections 19 and 20. Here he erected a saw-mill which later was widely known as “Miller’s Mill,” which is gone now.
John Ruland settled near the center of Section 30. Mr. Ruland died on his old homestead August 24, 1880. His sons living on the old place are John and Hiram Ruland.
In 1834 Andrew Brown moved into the township. In 1836 James Wheldon settled on the southeast quarter of Section 19; son, George Wheldon is still living on the old homestead; and soon after John and Thomas Brown settled on the southwest quarter of the same section. George Heslington settled on the western half of Section 7. In 1837 Benjamin Emerson settled at the edge of the woods on the northeast quarter of Section 14 and about the same time a Mr. Bartlette settled on the northwest quarter of Section 35. Lyman Butterfield settled in the woods on the southwest quarter of Section 10.
In 1839. Samuel E. Ferris settled in the woods about half a mile north of Niles Center and a bachelor named O’Brien started the village by building a log-cabin.