SLEDDING HILLS IN SCHAUMBURG TOWNSHIP

Every year at this time people come across this blog while looking for sledding hills in Schaumburg Township.  It’s because Pat Barch, the Hoffman Estates historian, wrote an article for the Hoffman Estates Citizen about winter activities in the village once upon a time. 

I know it’s not historical but it looks like it might be nice to fulfill an obvious need by giving a list of places to sled in Schaumburg Township.  So, here goes:

Seascape Aquatic Center
1300 Moon Lake Blvd.
Hoffman Estates

Pine Park
750 Charleston
Hoffman Estates

Freedom Park
800 S. Pinehurst Lane
Schaumburg

Meineke Park
220 E. Weathersfield Way
Schaumburg

Maybe you grew up in Schaumburg Township and had a great hill that you used?  Tell us about it and let us reminisce with you.

GOING, GOING… THE OLDEST RESTAURANT IN SCHAUMBURG TOWNSHIP

If you’re looking for a tasty, thin crust pizza served in a rustic decor that is a step out of the 1970s, look no further than Barnaby’s on Golf Road.  But, you’d better hurry.  The longest-running restaurant in Schaumburg Township is scheduled to close by the end of January.  Restaurants come and go but this one had staying power.

The Schaumburg store was part of an Illinois/Indiana chain begun in the late 1960s by Angelo Geocaris who owned Geocaris & Company, a large Schlitz beer distributorship.  The first restaurants to open were in Des Plaines, South Bend, Waukegan, Oakbrook, Niles and on Touhy, Taylor and Diversey in Chicago.  By early 1970 the following stores were under construction:  Calumet City, Addison, Downers Grove, Park Forest, Countryside, Arlington Heights, Oaklawn Northbrook, DeKalb, Hammond and Schaumburg.  More came along and you can find them all listed here.

According to an ad in the February 2, 1970 issue of the Chicago Tribune, the restaurants possessed an “informal old English pub atmosphere” with “fast self service and no tipping.   It was “a come as you are kind of place”  where there was no need to “hush up the children, and where food is for the whole family–root beer and kiddiebaskets–steak sandwiches–fish and chips–1/2 pound pubburgers broiled before their very eyes–and great pizzas–fast self-service and no tipping.”  There were also”fresh baked roast beef sandwiches, one quarter pound of thin sliced beef, dipped in hot au jus and served on a delicious sesame bun with fresh french fries and fresh cole slaw.”  Of course there were also large pitchers of beer (presumably Schlitz and its sister beer, Old Milwaukee, were certainly on tap) along with “soft lights and good music.”

Mr. Geocaris continued his ownership of the restaurants through the late 1970s when he began selling off the locations one by one.  When he had some difficulty selling the Schaumburg store, he made a proposal to Mr. and Mrs. George Limperis, two of his employees.  If they bought the restaurant and had a difficult time, he would buy it back and find a different buyer.  A month and a half later, on January 1, 1980, they finalized the deal.

Mr. and Mrs. Limperis ran the popular eatery for 32 years, serving multiple generations of families, providing an easy gathering place for local sports teams after games and being the go-to place for their thin crust pizza.  But all good things come to an end and, in 2011 the couple decided to sell their store to the Ziegler dealership next door.  When this store closes the only Barnaby’s left will be those in Des Plaines, Niles, Northbrook, Arlington Heights, South Bend, Misawauka and Tallahassee, FL.

The interesting question is, which Schaumburg Township restaurant becomes the oldest?  I know I have some guesses but what are yours?

This posting was written with the assistance of the Chicago Tribune, the Daily Herald and the Glencoe News.

The HOST Poll–A New Feature on the History of Schaumburg Township Blog

I’ve started a new feature on this blog.  It’s a poll that I hope you’ll participate in.  I plan to use it to gauge your interest in all things Schaumburg Township.  It’s also an easy way for you to see how other readers feel about various issues.  Please check back frequently.  I hope to mix it up and provide you with some fun questions to answer!

This week we’re going to start with something easy.  Please let me know if you have any interesting ideas for this poll.  I’m all ears at jrozek@stdl.org!

 

BELGIAN DRAFT HORSES OF SCHAUMBURG TOWNSHIP

While doing some research in the Daily Herald a while back, I came across an intriguing ad in the April 26, 1912 issue of the Cook County Herald.  The Schaumburg Belgian Horse Co., with an address of Palatine, Illinois was offering a pure bred Belgium stallion by the name of Azor D’ Iseghem for stud purposes. 

Because detailed information was listed in the ad, I contacted the Belgian Draft Horse Corporation of America and they were able to tell me that the horse was chestnut-colored with a stripe on his face.  He was born on April 21, 1909 to breeder, Madame Veuve Felix Deschryvere Iseghem and was registered with the American Association of Importers and Breeder of Belgian Draft Horses–the precursor to the organization listed above.

According to their records, he was imported into New York on September 5, 1911 on the ship, the Manhattan.  He was delivered to his buyers, the Champlin Brothers of Clinton, Iowa.  In addition, their records state that the Champlin Brothers owned the horse his entire life.  So, either a transaction between the Champlin Brothers and the Schaumburg Belgian Horse Co. was never officially recorded or the Schaumburg company leased the horse in some kind of agreement from the Iowa outfit.   

The stud was offered for the price of $18 at Schaumburg Center, meaning it was necessary for the owners of the mares to bring their horse to the stallion for service.  The terms included $3 at the time of service and the balance of $15 was due when a colt was born.

The ad listed William Hattendorf as the President and H.W. Freise as the Secretary and Treasurer.  F.E. Butt was the groomsmen.  The following year, the company had another ad in the DuPage County Register looking for “a reliable man as manager to take charge of the well broke stallion, owned by the Schaumburg Belgian Stallion Company.”   This time the directors were listed as W.D. Wilkening, J. Kastning and Fred Hattendorf.  And in a 1916 ad of the Cook County Herald, Christ Niemeyer is listed as the groomsmen.  (Would these grooms have had a full time job taking care of this locally famous horse?)

By 1915, two articles in the local papers were praising the success of the small business operation.  In the January 29 issue of the Cook County Herald, the stockholders were “laying plans for the coming year” because “last year was the most successful the association has ever had.”  In fact, later in the year, it was noted in a September 17 issue of the Palatine Enterprise that the company had a special meeting.  Treasurer H.W. Freise “handed all stockholders a swell dividend check.”

After eight years of ownership–and a now 11-year-old horse–it was reported in the DuPage County Register in 1920 that the Schaumburg Belgian Horse Company sold their horse to Mr. Stoxen of Hampshire “who was much elated at acquiring a valuable imported animal.”  This suggests that the transaction between the Champlin Brothers and the Schaumburg Belgian Horse Co. simply was not recorded. 

Belgian draft horses, though, remained a valuable commodity on a Schaumburg Township farm of the early 1900s.  Their size and strength allowed farmers to pull enormous weight and to more easily plow the fields in the spring.  Most landowners had a working pair of the horses who were given names and treated like members of the family.  In any number of instances, the oral historians from the farming contingent of Schaumburg Township have spoken in fond terms of their draft horses and readily recognize them in all family photos.  Many have also commented on the personalities of their horses i.e., which was the stronger of the pair, more patient, more high strung.  It was easy to understand how much of a double-edged sword it was to move to farming with a tractor.  It may have been faster and easier, but the marvel of these incredibly strong animals was a difficult thing to lose.

“GREETING CARDS OF THE 50S” A NEW EXHIBIT AT THE LIBRARY

The Schaumburg Township District Library is happy to announce a new exhibit “Greeting Cards of the 50s”  for your viewing pleasure.  Thanks to the Lichthardt family, the library is able to display a portion of the collection of greeting cards received by William and Martha (Kruse) Lichthardt at their home during the 1950s.  The cards were received for many occasions:  Christmas, baby announcements, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day and even on the occasion of their silver anniversary. 

Their story began when William was born on January 30, 1888 to Fred and Sophia Licthardt.  Martha was born the same year on August 16, 1888 to Henry and Sophia Kruse. 

They were married on November 4, 1909 at St. John Lutheran Church in a German service on Irving Park Road in the southern part of Schaumburg Township.  A reception was held before and after the wedding at the groom’s parents’ farm at Barrington and Irving Park Roads.

The tent for the reception was borrowed from the Addison Orphan Home as were the dishes.  The menu consisted of beef, potatoes, homemade cakes and bread, rice with sugar and cinnamon, prunes and peaches.  The luncheon was served in the afternoon.   

Their married life began on the same farm and they later had three boys:  Wilbert, Harvey and Melvin.   

By the time these cards were given to them, Martha and Bill were living in Elgin.  They celebrated their 50^th wedding anniversary in 1959 and Martha died two months later on January 30, 1960.  Bill died 11 years later on October 2, 1971.

The display is near the Reference Desk on the Second Floor of the Central Library at 130 S. Roselle Road.  Stop by and see it!

HIPPO’S HOT DOGS–A LOCAL LEGEND

In 1963, at the four-way stop of Higgins Road and old Route 53/Rohlwing, a popular local restaurant was born.  Sitting next to a vegetable stand on the east side of the road, just north of the  site of a former Shell gas station, the proprietor began selling Italian beef sandwiches and Chicago-style steamed hot dogs from a trailer. 

Without a formal name, they stayed in the same location until 1969, serving their simple menu to the many construction workers who helped build Schaumburg Township.  And, according to one gentleman I talked to, he recalls being able to stop there as late as 11:00 in the evening for a quick hot dog.  They were open that late.

Smack dab in the middle of the Woodfield construction, the operation was forced to relocate and the owners chose a new spot at 720 E. Higgins Road in Schaumburg.  Near the NW corner of the intersection with Plum Grove, a brown, brick building was constructed and Hippo’s Hot Dogs was born.  In an area with few restaurants, Hippo’s immediately attracted a following of local residents. And, with the ready-made crowd from Conant High School, Hippo’s became the go-to hangout for the local teenagers.  Soon the small center where it was located was called the Hippodrome Plaza—a name that has stuck to this day.

The menu expanded as the years went by to include:

• Chili dogs
• Cheese dogs
• Sauerkraut dogs
• Chili/cheese dogs
• Italian beef
• Italian sausage
• Homemade meatball sandwich
• Homemade chili and soups
• Submarines
• Sloppy hippos
• Italian steak sandwiches
• Reuben sandwich
• Julienne salad and chef salad
• Tamales
• Onion rings, French fries and fried mushrooms

They were known for their root beer but they also obtained a liquor license and sold .25 frosted mugs of draft beer.  Wine by the carafe soon became another option.  With a steady stream of students willing to work but unable to serve liquor, the restaurant placed a number of ads in the newspaper requesting a “Man wanted to pour only beer, 3 nites a week.”

While many fondly recall the hot dogs that are part of Hippo’s name, they also considered themselves to be one of the best Italian beef stands around.  In 1980, the Daily Herald ran an article on “Who Has the Best Italian Beef Sandwiches?”  Not having been included in the list, Hippo’s took strong offense and ran an ad in the paper asking their customers to come to the restaurant and sign a petition.  Hippo’s felt they deserved more recognition and even asked other restaurants who had been left off to join them in the protest by adding their name and location to the petition.  The support was obviously there because the restaurant stayed in business for another 14 years.

In 1994, the owners sold their location to a McDonalds franchise who tore down the beloved restaurant to profit from the benefits of a good location.  Undoubtedly there are few in Schaumburg Township who haven’t experienced a McDonalds hamburger.  But, in 2011, how many can say they have had an Italian beef or steamed hot dog with fries and a frosty mug of beer or root beer from Hippo’s?  Or, better yet a sloppy Hippo?  If someone can tell me what that is!

This posting was written with the help of an August 29, 1994 article from the Chicago Tribune, ads from the Daily Herald, and memories from Larry Rowan, a frequent commenter on this blog.    

SHOPPING IN EARLY HOFFMAN ESTATES

Our guest contributor this week is Pat Barch, the Hoffman Estates Historian.  This column originally appeared in the December 2011 issue of the Hoffman Estates Citizen, the village’s newsletter.  The column appears here, courtesy of the Village of Hoffman Estates.

December will be a busy shopping month.  The mayor has been encouraging us to shop local.  We have so many wonderful stores, shops and restaurants in the village.  I thought it would be fun to look back to the late 50s and 60s and find out what things cost. 

In March, 1959, early Hoffman Estates residents could purchase any one of 3 new model homes.  The Lincoln model was the new split level, the Imperial, Patrician and Stratford models were all ranch homes.  The cost ranged from $16,350 to $21,150.

Shopping was non- existent before 1959.  Everyone traveled to Roselle, Palatine or Elgin to shop.  In 1958 Centrella Foods in Palatine had 10 lbs of potatoes for .39 cents.  Tube tomatoes (do you remember those tubes) for .19 cents.  In 1964 Pick & Save in Roselle had rib steak for .79 cents a lb and spare ribs for .39 cents a lb.  Prices were low but of course our pay checks were smaller too. 

Back then, everyone seemed to need a second car.  In 1964 a used 1963 Chevy Monza 2 door was selling for $1,795 and in 1966 a used 1964 Chevy SS Convertible was selling for $1,800.  In 1966 the DX gas station at Higgins and Roselle was offering a cookie jar and 6 glasses when you purchased gas or had a lube job.  10 gallons of gas got you 1 free glass. We always had enough gas stations in town, one on every corner. 

Being able to shop local began in the summer of 1959.  Jewel opened the first grocery store in the newly constructed Hoffman Plaza at Higgins and Roselle Rd. Residents also had the Snyder Walgreen Agency Drug store and Ben Franklin to shop in.  It wasn’t until 1963 that the Golf Rose Shopping Center opened directly across from Hoffman Plaza at Roselle between Golf and Higgins.  W.T. Grant’s department store had its grand opening on Oct. 17, 1963. It made everyone in the community excited about in-town shopping.  Grants would close 10 years later to be replaced by Service Merchandise (now T.J.Maxx).  The Golf Rose Bakery and National Tea supermarket would add more convenient shopping to the growing population of our village.  By 1966 Baskin-Robbins 31 flavor ice cream shop had been added to the Golf Rose Shopping Center.  A shopping trip on a hot summer day always included a double dip strawberry ice cream cone.

We’ve grown to become a community that can shop local.  From one end of town to the other, we have local shopping centers, auto dealers, plumbers, home repair services, restaurants and entertainment and so much more.

This December, stay close to home and shop local.  Happy Holidays to everyone.

Pat Barch
Hoffman Estates Village Historian
Eagle2064@comcast.net

THE OLD SETTLER’S INN

The Old Settler’s Inn was a friendly establishment that was located in the very southern part of our Schaumburg Township on the southwest corner of Roselle Road and Nerge Road.  The last owner of the Inn, Mr. Walter Schauer, wrote an account of his three years of ownership prior to its demolition.  This account appeared in the Fall 2011 issue of the  Roselle History Museum Newsletter and they have graciously allowed us to reprint it here.

In addition, we are lucky to include the above rendition of the Inn, created by Joyce Kuhlmann, and based upon Mr. Schauer’s memories.

Onto the account…

The Old Settler’s Inn
July 4, 1969 to December 2, 1972
As told by former proprietor Walter Schauer

Our part of the history began in the summer of 1968.  Bob Ramsay and I were working on a project on Roselle Road–”Timbercrest”–in Schaumburg.  We were running heavy equipment, doing the underground and excavating in preparation for future homes and apartments in the fast growing areas of Roselle and Schaumburg.  The owner and developer, Mr. Wolf, was a happy, congenial man; although his mood could change quickly if he didn’t have enough manpower or machinery on his project.

The project was going well, but one of the problems the construction crew had was there really wasn’t anywhere to eat lunch.  We could brownbag it, but felt it would sure be nice to have a cheeseburger and a beer someplace.  About the only place you could get a liverwurst sandwich or something simple was Lengels, on Roselle Road near Schaumburg Road.  One drawback–Hannah (the owner) had to like you–AND your boots had to be clean!  This was pretty difficult, as our work was all about digging and moving dirt.  Once Hannah got to like you, you were invited in, but only if your boots were just a little dirty–not muddy, just dirty.  As we got to know her, we found she was quite a nice lady.  She was the one who told us about a tavern down the street that might be for sale.  Wanda and Julius, the owners were in their mid-eighties.  The Old Settler’s had become just too big a job for them.  When Bob Ramsay (a friend and relative of mine) approached them about buying, it must have been just the right time and they agreed to sell to us.

We assumed ownership on July 4, 1969.  On the following day, Badger Pipeline opened a “gathering area” right across the street.  (A “gathering area” was where the operators and tradesmen would park their vehicles, and get on a bus to take them to their various work areas.)  At the end of the day when they returned to their parked vehicles, many would just cross the street to the Old Settler’s before they went home.  We had instant success!

We developed a workman’s luncheon special, which would be changed daily.  If you ordered a Settler burger or special of the day, you could be in and out within a half hour.  The plan worked and business continued to grow.

The building was a two and a half story white frame located on the southwest corner of Roselle and Nerge Roads.  It was just outside Roselle’s boundary and was kind of a landmark for the area.  It was probably built sometime in the 1920′s as a roadhouse.  The dining room faced Roselle Road with a view of downtown Chicago’s landscape.  The food served was considered above average and the staff were always very friendly and courteous.  We had customers from all over the area, even police and firemen from South Barrington stopped in.  Friends, neighbors and employees made the Old Settler’s a great success.  Every Friday was standing room only with a successful fish fry.  Sundays, another full house as the Chicago Bear games were on TV while most of the Chicago area was blacked out.

The Old Settler’s would make “Cheers” of television fame look “classless.”  But, alas, after only three and a half years of success, it was time for the business to be sold.  The business and property were sold to an oil company for a gas station.  This property was just off the interchange for the proposed Elgin-O’Hare Expressway.  Soon the building , with all of its history and memories was demolished.  I will always be grateful for the wonderful staff, the customers and the village for our success.

Mr. Schauer and Bob Ramsay purchased the Old Settler’s Inn from Julius and Wanda Halatek. It is unknown when the Halateks purchased the Inn.  We can guess that it was after they were married in 1940.  They ran it as a tavern/restaurant and, according to A Schaumburg Farm, 1935-1964 by LaVonne Presley, they often rented out the back room for wedding receptions.  After selling the Inn they retired to Elgin.  Julius died in 1979 and Wanda died in 1994. 

 

IT WAS CALLED THE SPANISH FLU–AND IT WAS AWFUL

This beautiful, little girl died at the age of 8 on December 25, 1918.  Her name was Lanora Troyke and she contracted the influenza that was sweeping the nation.  Not even the rural hamlet of Schaumburg Township could escape the pandemic that would inevitably kill up to 675,000 people.

With its beginnings in January 1918, the pandemic didn’t really erupt until June of the same year.  It was accelerated by troop movements in the declining days of World War I.  In fact, in her book, A Schaumburg Farm, 1935-1964, LaVonne Presley talks about her father, William Thies, being “inducted in the midst of a flu epidemic, but [he] did not contract the flu.  On the troop train carrying the recruits to Georgia for training, many young men became ill and died.  William felt lucky to have survived the trip.”

By late summer, the pandemic was in its second wave and was more deadly than the first.  Louise Bremer died on October 1 and on October 17, Dr. Theobald, a local veterinarian, sent a letter to William Thies telling him, “The Spanish Influenza is raising havoc around this neighborhood, quite a few people having died and hundreds of them being sick with it.  The Doctors are on the jump all the time, schools and churches are closed and picnics prohibited.”

He could have easily been referring to William and Wihelmina Dohl.  Like the swine flu epidemic of  2009, this pandemic seemed to hit young, seemingly healthy people more severely.  Mr. Dohl became very ill, very fast and was taken to Oak Park Hospital almost immediately on Wednesday, October 2.  Despite being ill herself, Mrs. Dohl visited him on Thursday.  According to the Cook County Herald, “Upon her return home, she went to bed at once…  They both died at the same hour Saturday noon.  The double funeral was held Tuesday.  They leave a son 11 years [Elmer], daughter 7 years [Malinda] who were also very dangerously ill with the malady, but hopes are entertained for their speedy recovery.”  Mr. and Mrs. Dohl were 34 years old. In an oral history that is on the library’s Local History Digital Archive, Erna (Lichthardt) Hunerberg recalled that after the caskets were pushed out of the house, they closed the house as a method of quarantine.

It continued to be a scary month. Two weeks later, five year old Paul Krentz died on October 18.   On October 23, Pastor Gottlob Theiss of St. Peter Lutheran Church sent William Thies a letter bringing him up to date on these tragedies and others.  “I just got it today from your cousin Tillie when I called there to see how they were getting on there.  You know they all had the influenza except August and Edwin.  They are all over it but Martha, and she is almost well.  We have a great deal of the plague around here, so far there have been two deaths, Alma Bahe and Karl Schroeder her brother in law.  Alma was buried a week ago today and Karl Schroeder yesterday.  We could not have the funerals in church because church and schools have been closed for two weeks already.  I wonder how conditions are down there in your camp.  Have you any cases of influenza?  They are not sending any boys to the camps from here just now on account of the plague.”

The influenza affected those who were well too.  They were called on to do chores for those who were sick.  It was truly a time of neighbor helping neighbor as displayed in this letter of October 26th to William from Wanda Boergener.  “Isn’t it awful with the sickness?  Panzers are sick except Hubert and Ella.  Henry has to go there night and morning to milk and do chores.  Eddy Stein is sick too.  Isn’t it too bad with Tilly Biesterfield?  The old Folks are there all alone now.”

By late October some of the worst must have been over.  In a November 1, article from the Cook County Herald, it was stated that “Schaumburg schools opened Tuesday.  Church services will be resumed Sunday.  Anyone who has the influenza in their family is requested to stay home.”  And they must have because the same column reported that there was “slim attendance owing to the flu epidemic.”

December, though, still found the flu in the township.  In her personal account, Erna (Licthardt) Hunerberg recalled its impact on her family.  Calling it the Spanish flu, she remembered getting sick on December 6 at the age of 12.  The rest of her family was not immune either.    Having told them that Santa was sick too, Erna’s parents postponed Christmas until the 29th when everyone was feeling better.

The Troyke family, however, did not fare as well over the holidays.  Young Lanora died on Christmas Day and was buried in St. Peter Lutheran Church Cemetery.    She left her parents, two sisters and three brothers to mourn the loss of a young, adorable girl who simply could not escape the nasty illness that swept our country.

This posting was written with the assistance of letters saved by the William Thies family, Cemetery Walk scripts on Lanora Troyke and Wilhelmina Dohl researched and written by Nancy Lyons of the Schaumburg Township Historical Society and articles from the Cook County Herald .

HOFFMAN ESTATES POLICE DEPARTMENT ON GANNON DRIVE

Our guest contributor this week is Pat Barch, the Hoffman Estates Historian.  This column originally appeared in the October 2011 issue of the Hoffman Estates Citizen, the village’s newsletter.  The column appears here, courtesy of the Village of Hoffman Estates.

The police station on Gannon Drive sits empty.  What the future holds for the building in not known but   I can tell you about its past.  The now vacant police station had been our second village hall and police department.  It was necessary to build due to the fact that our first village hall was a 100 year old farm house.  The old Gieske/Hammerstein farm house was donated to our newly incorporated village in 1959 by the Hoffman Estates Homeowners Association.  It served the community for twelve years housing the village hall, police department as well as the public works garage. 

It was as early as March of 1968 that the Independent Citizens’ committee recommended a civic complex for the village to be built on the site of the old village hall on Illinois Blvd.  More than two years later the final decision was made to purchase the 6.69 acre of land on Golf Rd. just east of Fairmont Ave. Voters went to the polls on December 12, 1970 and approved the sale of bonds to build the new police and municipal building.  Work would begin in the spring of 1971.   

Architect Andrew McPherson, who moved to the Highlands in 1962, shared his story of the construction of the new village hall & police department.  Mr. McPherson, of Otis & Associates, Inc. was the architect in charge of the new building project.  Alan Construction was the general contractor. Work began in the spring of 1971.  The foundation was in the process of being poured in June and by the end of July the walls were beginning to rise. Throughout the summer, the work continued with a completion date of early summer 1972 in mind.  Mr. McPherson talked about some of the details of the building.  Solid one piece limestone slabs were used for the window sills and American elm, being a native tree from our area, was used for all the interior trim.  Otis & Associates, Inc. worked closely with village officials to construct the first public building in Illinois that included total planning for the handicapped. Plans also included future expansion to the west if that became necessary. The final cost of the building minus furnishings and landscaping came to $751,187. 

The new 31,000 square-foot building was dedicated on June 25, 1972 by Mayor Fred Downey, Senator Charles Percy and Representative Phillip Crane. Trustee Bruce Lind headed the village committee that supervised the construction. In 1992, when the Safeco Building became the third village hall, the police department took over the Gannon Rd. facility.  Following the death of Trustee Bruce Lind in December of 1991, the village board named the police department building the Bruce C. Lind Complex.

Otis & Associates, Inc. with Andrew McPherson as architect in charge, went on to build the Black Hawk Recreation Center, (now the Triphahn Center) Willow Recreation Center on Algonquin Rd., the Westbury Fire Station, the Mazda Dealership on Higgins Rd. and the Northern Illinois University building on Beverly Rd.  As Mr. McPherson shared his stories of Otis & Associates and the role they played in developing the area, I was very surprised to learn that they had built the Zurich Towers in Schaumburg.  As historian for the village, I had never known that our beautiful village hall and police department on Gannon Dr. and the beautiful Zurich Towers in Schaumburg were built by the same firm and architect, Otis & Associates, Inc. and Andrew McPherson. 

Pat Barch
Hoffman Estates Village Historian
Eagle2064@comcast.net