Streams – History of Schaumburg Township

OLDE SCHAUMBURG CENTRE PARK

The site at the northwest corner of Schaumburg Road and Pleasant Drive has long been a small wetland. Even on this 1953 topographic map you can see, prior to development, where the wetland can be found. It runs on the north side of Schaumburg Road, just west of the intersection of Schaumburg and Roselle Roads.

A portion of the 1953 Palatine Quadrangle. Photo credit to U.S. Geological Survey.

This wetland actually begins behind the Schaumburg Post Office and Schaumburg Township building and continues its run through the back of the Encore [Friendship] Village property. It eventually makes its way under Schaumburg Road, flowing through Town Square where it becomes a small tributary of Salt Creek.

It had long been a focus of the Village of Schaumburg to preserve these parcels, as stated by Village President Al Larson in a September 15, 1987 article in the Daily Herald. He said, “…a number of sites in the Sarah’s Grove area intentionally have been preserved, including forests near the Timbercrest subdivision, Friendship Village and a marsh behind the U.S. Post Office.”

When the Olde Schaumburg Centre Overlay District was created by the village in 1978, the small, three-acre wetland at Schaumburg Road and Pleasant Drive was folded into the District.

It sat dormant until 1987 when the village began investigating the possibility of creating the wetland as an historic park. It was expected to include “benches, picnic tables and playground equipment” with a portion of the wetland remaining as a retention pond. Naturally, this would have entailed grading the site so that the usual park elements could be incorporated.

Local residents stepped into the discussion and began encouraging a more modest use of the area that would preserve the naturally occurring wetland. Their success was manifested in 1989 when the village made the decision to develop a wetland park. The intention was to include a winding pathway and observation areas to view wildlife.

This is one of the two wildlife observation areas and is on the north side of the pond. On this day, the wildlife was observing the observation area! Photo credit to Jane Rozek.

To encourage community involvement, the village held a contest to name the park. Per a July 25, 1989 Daily Herald article, “18 merchants in Olde Schaumburg Centre rallied behind the contest, offering up an array of prizes for the winner…” (Keep in mind that this occurred before Town Square itself was redeveloped in 1996.)

Members of the Olde Schaumburg Centre Commission chose the winning entry from several dozen entries. With a decision made, the park officially became known as the Olde Schaumburg Centre Park.

Less than a year later, in May of 1990, the park was opened to the public. It took some work on the part of the village because, according to Village President Al Larson in the May 8 issue of the Daily Herald, “It was turning into a dumping ground and we turned it into a park.” In fact, village planner Paul Evans stated, “We found a dead horse out there. Someone was raising horses [in the area] and must have buried it out there.”

The gazebo, checkers/chess table, bridge and light fixtures are all visible in this photo. Photo credit to Jane Rozek

The article continues, “From the old-time benches and lights, to the gazebo, picnic tables and observation area, the park is one village officials hope will become a gathering point for visitors to the downtown historic district.”

The bonus was that the park also served a more practical purpose, “with the pond serving as a retention area, providing relief from flooding” for the areas north and west of the park.

Fast forward to 2013, and the village won an Excellence in Landscape Silver Award from the Illinois Landscape Contractors Association for an enhancement project that occurred at the park. This was reported in a press release published in the January 8, 2013 issue of the Daily Herald.

Enhancements included: sidewalk replacement; updating bridge ramps and railings to meet code requirements; replacing the overlook support posts; replacing decking on the boardwalk, overlook and bridge; new decking, new furnishings and a new gazebo. Retaining walls were also replaced.

The updated bridge crosses over this small branch of Salt Creek that is contained by the retaining walls that have also been updated. Photo credit to Jane Rozek

As a result, the park yields natural beauty, fishing possibilities and amazing birdwatching, despite its incredibly close proximity to Schaumburg Road. Stop by and take advantage of this small pocket park. The bird viewing is especially incredible.

Jane Rozek
Local History Librarian
Schaumburg Township District Library
jrozek@stdl.org

THE WEST BRANCH OF THE DUPAGE RIVER–A WATERSHED IN SCHAUMBURG TOWNSHIP

The West Branch of the DuPage River flows under Northway Drive in Hanover Park. Photo credit to Jane Rozek.

Between June and October of 2023, work was done on the West Branch of the DuPage River by the villages of Schaumburg and Hanover Park. This watershed is one of three in Schaumburg Township, covering the far southwestern area.

According to an Illinois EPA Public Notice from March 15, 2023, “The project will involve various improvements along 3,500 feet of the West Branch DuPage River between Springinsguth and Anne Fox School and includes both banks
through the majority of the reach. The proposed improvements will reduce channelization through remeandering portions of the reach to increase sinuosity, stabilize the streambanks, and create habitat for aquatic and terrestrial species.”

Cook County Highway map. Ca. 1956. Map credit to Cook County.

The area affected was in Sections 29 and 30 of Schaumburg Township. You can see those areas–and the West Branch itself–on this Schaumburg Township Highway map. The map was created sometime in the late 1950s before the villages were incorporated and developed. Edward J. Barrett was Cook County Clerk from 1955 to 1973, but this map must have been created under his predecessor, Richard J. Daley.

1935 Barrington, IL USGS Topographic map. Credit to the United States Geological Survey.

The Y shaped West Branch can also be seen on this 1935 Barrington, IL topographic map. The left branch of the West Branch basically rises in the marshy area where you see the word “Hanover.” This is the area, north of Schaumburg Road and east of Barrington Road, that now comprises Gray Farm Park and Conservation Area.

The banks of the West Branch of the DuPage River as it rises in Campanelli Park. The curve of the stream can be seen in the background.

The right branch of the West Branch rises in Campanelli Park. This is largely the area on the map that is the marshy section above “School No 55.” It is where Braintree and Weathersfield Way meet.

One of the drains of the West Branch as it flows through Atcher Park. The meander of the stream can be seen to the right. Credit to Jane Rozek.

The stream, like all of them in Schaumburg Township, flows both above and below ground at various points. Here it picks up a bit of steam in Atcher Park and rises to the surface.

Where it meets in Hanover Park and Schaumburg, it also flows above ground and the plan, mentioned above, delineated the positive effect sought on this portion of the West Branch.

As stated in the IEPA press release, “Planned vegetation removal and restoration includes removal of non-native invasive species along the banks of the creek and creating both floodplain terraces and wetlands to allow the stream to access these areas more frequently. Additionally, “these areas will be vegetated with native wetland/riparian vegetation… [and] the project will repair existing pedestrian paths within the project area.”

The West Branch where it flows underneath Springinsguth Road. Credit to Jane Rozek

Here we can see where work has occurred at the point where the tributary of the West Branch flows underneath Springinsguth Road. Almost all of the excess vegetation that lined the stream has been cut down.

Work on the West Branch of the DuPage River. Credit to Jane Rozek.

Work continued to the west as the stream flows to Anne Fox Park. A small meander is evident on the right, and we get a better view of the vegetation that has been trimmed. We can also see the trees that survived and give important environmental value to the landscape.

The road that runs through the middle of the photo is a temporary plank road that was laid to accommodate the heavy machinery working on the stream in the background.

The West Branch of the DuPage River as it flows west from Northway Drive in Hanover Park. Photo credit to Jane Rozek.

Despite the dry summer, it remains obvious that the West Branch of the DuPage River is a viable stream, requiring care and attention as it moves into DuPage County. It is there that it gains momentum and makes its way to the Des Plaines River.

The photo provides a glimpse of what the true nature of the stream was before growth and vegetation took over, and how it is carefully, solicitously being returned to that bucolic state. In fact, while standing there taking in the peaceful scene, a great blue heron flew overhead. Give it a year.

Jane Rozek
Local History Librarian
Schaumburg Township District Library
jrozek@stdl.org

THE BRANCHES OF POPLAR CREEK THAT FLOW THROUGH HOFFMAN ESTATES

The streams of Schaumburg Township are made up of Salt Creek, the West Branch of the DuPage River and Poplar Creek. Salt Creek is a tributary of the Des Plaines River as is the DuPage River. Poplar Creek drains the western portion of the township and eventually flows into the Fox River, south of Route 20 and due west of the Bluff Spring Fen in Elgin as can be seen on this map.

Poplar Creek entering the Fox River. United States Geological Survey.

It is interesting to track Poplar Creek’s existence over time as it appears on the topographical maps put out by the United States Geological Survey. We first get a glimpse of the creek on the 1923 Barrington Topographic Quadrangle when the land was still being farmed.

Barrington Topographic Quadrangle. United States Geological Survey. 1923

Most farmers worked around and/or with the streams that flowed through their property. Some eventually laid clay tiles that allowed them to drain their property and use more of it for fields as this steam shovel is doing.

Steam shovel laying field tile in a Schaumburg Township field. Photo credit to Spring Valley Nature Center.

Three branches of the creek can be seen on the map. The first is a marshy looking area north of Higgins Road that has its beginnings just over the border in Palatine Township. The second branch, with its corresponding marsh, straddles both sides of Golf Road. These two branches merge together on the west side of Barrington Road in Hanover Park. The third branch and its marsh lie between Bode Road and Schaumburg Road. It drains further south into Hanover Township.

Barrington Topographic Quadrangle. United States Geological Survey. 1935

The next major topographic map was drawn in 1935. Again, we see the three distinct marshy areas that denote the three branches. Notice, too, that the convergence of the two northern branches of the creek is significant enough to note it as Poplar Creek on the map.

We can also see that a decision was made to add green where larger stands of trees were. The green area west of the one-room Meyers School is Wildcat Grove where Greve Cemetery can still be found today. Notice, too, that Higgins Road, is in the process of being straightened, as denoted by the red line. It ran further south and had a bit of an angle in it at the time.

Palatine Topographic Quadrangle. United States Geological Survey. 1953

By the time this map was drawn in 1953, a decision had been made to make the scale of the maps bigger. This is why the land does not appear to have as much contour. We can see that the upper marshy area, north of Higgins Road, has diminished a bit but, also, that those who drew the map felt the stream was significant enough to now label it as the East Branch of Poplar Creek.

We can still see remnants of the area straddling Golf Road and it is clear that the area north of Bode Road is more low lying as there are few contour lines.

Unfortunately, the map only extends to these points so we can’t track the southern most Poplar Creek branch. In addition, the quadrangle to the west was not updated at the same time so we are left to puzzle what was happening in that area in 1953.

Palatine Topographic Quadrangle. United States Geological Survey. 1961

The next time the map was done for the area was in 1961. This is the northern portion of the township and we can still see the named East Branch of Poplar Creek. The small stream that flows between Higgins and Golf is still there too, flowing west towards where it meets up with the East Branch in Hanover Township. It can also be seen at the top of the map below.

Unfortunately, this map does not go far enough west for us to see what was happening in the stream/marshy area north of Schaumburg Road. We have to assume that the stream might not have been as prevalent with the wells of the Weathersfield subdivision altering the water table to a certain extent.

Palatine Topographic Quadrangle. United States Geological Survey. 1993

It was 31 years before the topographical map of 1993 was created. By this time, despite the fact that development covered the area, that East Branch of Poplar Creek was not to be denied. The strength of the stream was strong enough that village engineers and planners had to adjust development to accomodate the buildings, structures and parking lots.

Streamwood Topographic Quadrangle. United States Geological Survey. 1993

This portion of the Streamwood topographic map, for the same year, clearly shows the middle stream flowing through the Poplar Creek Country Club until it merges with the East Branch of the creek in Hanover Township. It is interesting to see the East Branch flows through Bode Lakes and out again from the upper lake.

The lower portion of the Streamwood quadrangle shows the area north of Schaumburg Road near Barrington Road. The stream no longer exists but is now contained within Gray Farm Park which has an extensive marshy area.

You can still see portions of the creek in various areas, such as the Poplar Creek Country Club. In addition, the upper portion is also visible, as seen below, where a small remnant of Old Higgins Road runs between the former TGI Friday’s restaurant and the St. Alexius property.

View of Poplar Creek looking north from Old Higgins Road. Photo credit to Jane Rozek. 2012

East Branch of Poplar Creek. Photo credit to Jane Rozek. 2023

It also continues to flow under Hassell Road from north of the Jane Addams Memorial Tollway. Thanks to Pat Barch, Hoffman Estates Historian, a well deserved sign was placed on Hassell Road, between Stonington and Blackberry, denoting the East Branch of this major creek that lends its name to so many businesses in Hoffman Estates.

Sign for East Branch of Poplar Creek on Hassell Road. Photo credit to Jane Rozek. 2023

Our waterways–no matter how big or small–are crucial to the topography and development of the township.

Jane Rozek
Local History Librarian
Schaumburg Township District Library
jrozek@stdl.org

YEARGIN CREEK: A SPECIAL LITTLE STREAM

If you’re driving on Plum Grove Road, just south of Schaumburg Road, you can see this sign on the west side of the road, just before a small creek crosses beneath the road.

Yeargin Creek is a branch of the Salt Creek that feeds into the Des Plaines River. It is formed by the confluence of three small streams that originate on the west side of Roselle Road. You can see the streams more clearly on this 1980 Palatine Quadrangle topographical map before development obscured the origins.

The first, most northerly stream has its head waters on the Friendship Village property, crossing Pleasant Drive behind the old library that is now the Bethel Baptist Church Preschool. It then crosses Roselle Road, running through the Schaumburg Golf Club property, skirting the back of the St. Peter Lutheran Church property and curving its way towards Schaumburg Road where it crosses into the pond at the Municipal Center.

The other two streams begin south of Schaumburg Road, with the first one starting in the southern part of Town Square and crossing Roselle Road near the shopping center’s traffic light.

The other starts south of the Town Square Condominiums and crosses Roselle Road at that point. The middle branch eventually flows into the pond on the Municipal Center grounds. The third, most southerly branch, enters the property south of the Municipal Center parking lot.

Granted, the three tributaries are largely buried underground for most of their length but all of the forks converge in the wooded area east of the Prairie Center For The Arts and become Yeargin Creek, an above ground, flowing stream. The creek runs to Plum Grove Road where it then crosses into the Spring Valley property. Plum Grove Road is where Yeargin Creek officially ends.

As the sign says above, the creek was named for Herman “Hy” Yeargin who served as the Director of the Schaumburg Civil Defense Police Force, as a Schaumburg reserve patrolman overseeing the Bicycle Court program and as license inspector for the village. He passed away in 1976 and the creek was named for him soon after at the suggestion of Mayor Al Larson who was a village trustee at the time. According to the mayor, Mr. Yeargin was a dedicated public servant who took his duties very seriously–all with a good sense of humor.

In 2004 the Village of Schaumburg won the Conservation and Native Landscaping Award issued by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Chicago Wilderness for their restoration of Yeargin Creek. The project replaced storm culverts with bridges, stabilized and regraded stream banks and preserved native plants to promote aeration and slower water flow.

This is one of the bridges crossing the southern tributary that runs along the edge of the Municipal Center parking lot.

Today a walking/biking trail runs alongside Yeargin Creek and is highlighted by international sculptures from The Chicago Athenaeum.

Hy Yeargin has been gone for 40 years but we honor him still with this beautiful bit of nature in the middle of our township.

Jane Rozek
Local History Librarian
Schaumburg Township District Library
jrozek@stdl.org