Hinsdale Magazine September 2021 by Hinsdale Magazine Group

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LITTLE LEAGUE STATE CHAMPS Hinsdale’s 10 & 12-Year-Olds Bring State Titles Home

Sox-Hinsdale Connection: Comiskeys and Veecks

Brooks Edwin Tonn Memorial Bridge

Graue Mill Opens Again

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Colleen C. Wilcox is a team of Real Estate agents affiliated with Compass. Compass is a licensed Real Estate broker with a principal office in Chicago, IL and abides by all applicable Equal Housing Opportunity laws. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only, is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, and changes without notice. All measurements and square footages are approximate. This is not intended to solicit property already listed. Nothing herein shall be construed as legal, accounting or other professional advice outside the realm of Real Estate brokerage.

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WAYS TO MAKE YOU SMILE THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN COSMETIC AND AESTHETIC DENTISTRY When you need some painting done, there are jobs where there isn’t much “prep” work. All you need to do is clean the surface, and start with that new coat of paint. On the other hand, when the surface is uneven, there are cracks, and blisters and so on, it is obvious that more serious “prep” work is needed. When it comes to your teeth…and your mouth, there are similar parallels. Are your teeth just a little crooked, or are they all over the place? Is the “bite” right? Have your teeth been taken care of over time, or is this the time you need not only a better smile, but a complete overhaul? For example, if your “bite” is right, and your teeth just need some minor adjustment, a superficial cosmetic procedure such as alignment is all that is needed. But if you need more than a brighter smile, you should consider the next level of care known as “aesthetic” dentistry. Today, there are amazing digital scanners and imaging devices that enable aesthetic dentists to thoroughly examine not only your teeth, but your entire mouth, including gums, tissue and jaw bones and other bone structure. This enables them to identify any and all issues in your mouth. They then follow this initial step with powerful, yet gentle, microscopic lasers to reshape not only teeth, but gums and other tissue to improve your smile, naturally, but also to improve your “bite” so that you can chew your food properly. Further, aesthetic dentists are trained extensively in using the scanners correctly, and how to fully understand what the scanners show and how to correct the problems. Similarly, they are also trained in how to maximize using their laser equipment

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to microscopically shape and correct not only your teeth, but your gums and other tissue and bone, as needed. The result: you not only have a stunning, natural smile, but your teeth and gums and tissue are properly aligned to give you the best “bite” and your whole mouth is able to perform chewing and swallowing better. Extremely important: all of this is accomplished with a minimum of discomfort. One dentist in Hinsdale is trained as an Aesthetic Dentist....Peter Harnois. Since 1990, he has made it his mission to learn everything he can about aesthetic dentistry. Today, he not only brings this expertise to his patients, but he teaches dentists all over the US in the use of the latest equipment and the latest techniques of aesthetic dentistry. In fact, he Dr. Peter Harnois, Aesthetic Dentist is the senior faculty lead of several advanced aesthetic academies. And, he is proud to be a member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, (AACD), the most prestigious education body in aesthetic dentistry in North America. He is also President of the American Academy of Facial Aesthetics (AAFE), and trains dentists in the use of Botox and dermal filler techniques. He is the President of the Illinois

911 N. Elm, Suite 230 Hinsdale, IL 630.323.4468 HinsdaleDentistry.com

Chapter of the American Academy of Facial Esthetics and a member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, The World Clinical Laser Institute, The American Dental Association, The Illinois State Dental Society and The Chicago Dental Society.

showed when she smiled, or her smile’s overall shape and shade. After discussing all the possible options for improvements, Dr. Harnois performed the following. First, he employed Botox to relax her lip and cover her “gummy” smile, since Botox is an excellent treatment for overactive smile muscles.

Further, Dr. Harnois has partnered with Denmat, manufacturer of Lumineers, to train dentists in the preparation and placement of their highly regarded, minimally invasive, ultra-thin, highly aesthetic veneers. He has authored platforms for Denmat so dentists can improve smile design and serves as a consultant for them.

Next, to straighten her teeth, he used iTero®, a state-of-the-art scanner to take highly accurate impressions of her teeth, and completely avoided a gag reflex problem she had in the past, with a minimum of time in a dental chair. The 3D scans enabled creation of perfect fitting Invisalign aligners.

Naturally, he has trained his staff of 12 in how to use the latest equipment, but also the latest techniques in aesthetic dentistry.

After completing the Invisalign treatment, the next step was to improve the appearance of her gum line so it looked more even and symmetrical. Using a soft tissue diode Gemini laser, Dr. Harnois then performed a subtle cosmetic gum contouring treatment which was faster and more precise than other procedures that are available.

BEFORE ANY TREATMENT

AFTER WITH PORCELAIN VENEERS

Then, Jessica was ready for the installation of minimally invasive porcelain veneers. This included steps to permanently whiten, strengthen and reshape her stained, worn uneven teeth, so that the appearance was as

perfect and natural as possible. Dr. Harnois demonstrating a live Lumineers placement to fellow dentists

BEFORE ANY TREATMENT

AFTER GUMMY SMILE TREATMENT WITH BOTOX

One of his patients, Jessica, will serve as an excellent case history. She came to his office as a new patient looking for a fullface smile makeover. She didn’t like her “gummy” smile, her crooked teeth, her uneven gum line that

All done! Responsible aesthetic dental work which is both beautiful and functional, resulting in a gorgeous, healthy smile and a happy patient. The photos speak for themselves and Jessica’s smile has changed her life. If you are interested in learning more, reach out today to schedule a complimentary consultation.

YOUR HINSDALE FAMILY DENTISTS. Peter T. Harnois, DDS Michael J. Kowalczyk, DDS

LETTER from THE PUBLISHER

OUTSIDE AND TOGETHER AGAIN This summer, and now into the fall, it has been great to get out and about, and get back together more.

rides in the sport of equestrian horse jumping at her stable just a few miles west of town. Read about her love for horses and how she turned her passion into a budding business.

For example, friends and families of Hinsdale’s 10 and Under and 12 and Under Little League All Star teams gave them nice send-offs to the state championships, and both teams came back as State Champs in mid-August. It just feels good to get to the pool, out to Uniquely Thursdays downtown, shopping and dining out. Many of us have been to larger group activities like Cubs and White Sox games and concerts. While we weren’t there, many of us saw the first “Field of Dreams” baseball game on tv, played in an Iowa cornfield that was actually beautiful to watch.

School has opened, and in-class teaching is back. Very important: high school sports are back too. More opportunities to get out and support the teams and renew acquaintances on the sidelines.

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LITTLE LEAGUE STATE CHAMPS

After almost two years, Graue Mill is open again, a historic treasure right in our midst. We remind you of its important history with an encore of an article we wrote several years ago on Graue Mill as a stop on the Underground Railroad as slaves moved north to their freedom. Watch for all the Underground Railroad activities at the Mill this Fall.

Hinsdale’s 10 & 12-Year-Olds The dramatic White Sox win Hinsdale Magazine reported on Bring State Title Home inspired us to write a 2-part story the ceremony on August 21 in + about the White Sox and the Veeck Park which dedicated the surprising connection of the Sox 47th Street Bridge, over the I-294 to Hinsdale. It just so happens that Tollway, in honor of Brooks Tonn. two owners of the club, Charley Comiskey and The Brooks Edwin Tonn Memorial Bridge leaves Bill Veeck, were both residents of our town. an lasting impression upon a community that embraced a young boy stricken with cancer and Remember to run in The Rotary Charity Run had the courage and will to continue playing Classic for the 27th time, on October 3. Join sports with his friends. thousands who will be running to raise money for six charities. And like clockwork, hundreds gather in the mornings to enjoy some exercise and socialize playing the latest sports craze, Pickleball. Believe it or not, Hinsdale is becoming a hotbed for Pickleball. Scott Jonlich Sox-Hinsdale Connection: Comiskeys and Veecks

Speaking of different sorts of outdoors activities, local resident Anna Hallene trains horses and

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Brooks Tonn Memorial Bridge

Graue Mill Opens Again

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CONTENTS 10 PUBLISHER’S LETTER 14 COVER STORY

Hinsdale Little League does it again

36 SPORTS HISTORY

Comiskey and Veeck

44 COMMUNITY SCENE

24 PEAK PERFORMANCE

28 OUT AND ABOUT

47 DIVEHEART

Pickleball 28

Morton Arboretum Fall Events 30

Rotary Run Charity Classic 48

Anchors Aweigh 50

Trains, Trains, Trains 52

Jim Fannin

32 IN PERSON

Meet Anna Hallene

Brooks Edwin Tonn Memorial Bridge dedication

48 GIVING BACK

54 ENTERTAINMENT

GhostLight Theatre

58 HISTORY ENCORE

Graue Mill

44 14

ON THE COVER: Pitcher Quinn Rooney

FOR THE LATEST NEWS, HAPPENINGS AND PHOTOS, VISIT WWW.HINSDALEMAG.COM 10

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(Pictured from left to right) Lauren Gehlmann, Laura Glosniak, Erin Cavanah, Lisa Read, Julie Sutton, William Sutton, Nicole Pearl, Sophia Nichols, Sarah Vossoughi, Alicia Brooks. Melissa Montanye not pictured.

Over the last 12 months our team served clients in 24 towns with price points ranging from $175,000 to $3.625M. We are committed to concierge-level service across all prices and are thrilled to offer a wide range of knowledge to our clients. We look forward to your call and can’t wait to meet you. Ready when you are! Julie Sutton – Principal 312.909.9561 julie.sutton@compass.com thejuliesuttongroup.com

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Hinsdale Magazine, Inc. 3 Grant Square, #201 Hinsdale, IL 60521 630-655-3400 www.HinsdaleMag.com Serving Hinsdale, Burr Ridge, Clarendon Hills and Oak Brook. No person, organization or publication can copy or re-produce the content in this magazine or any part of this publication without a written consent from the publisher. The publisher, authors, contributors and designers reserve their rights with regards to copyright of their work. Hinsdale Magazine, Inc. assumes no liability or responsibility for any inaccurate, delayed or incomplete information. The information contained about each individual, event or organization has been provided by such individual, event organizers or organization. The opinion expressed in each article is the opinion of its author and does not necessarily reflect the opinion of Hinsdale Magazine, Inc. Comments are welcome, but they should be on-topic and well-expressed. Copyright ©2021 Hinsdale Magazine, Inc. All rights reserved.

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STATE CHAMPIONS

Hinsdale Magazine | Cover Story

Hinsdale's 10 and 12-year-olds capture Little League Crowns BY LARRY ATSEFF PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARCELLO RODARTE 14

HinsdaleMag.com | HINSDALE MAGAZINE

“They had a once in a lifetime experience for 12-year-old baseball players.”

insdale Little League has a rich tradition, going back to the 1950’s, and draws about 550 kids across several age groups for the teams annually. In Little League baseball, there are 10 and Under leagues, 11 and Under leagues, and 12 and Under leagues. At the end of the season, players from teams at all three levels are chosen as All-Stars to represent their towns in Statewide tournaments. Teams compete at District, then Substate, then to the State Level. All- Star teams at 12 and Under also have the opportunity to go all the way to the Little League World Series in Williamsport, PA. Hinsdale Little League has had many teams win Districts, Sectionals, but not as many at the State level. Over the last 20 years, there have been 2 Hinsdale teams that have won State at 12 years and Under.

– ADAM LINN, Manager

The first team was 4 years ago. This team left an impression on a group of 8 year olds who watched them on ESPN from Fuller House in downtown Hinsdale. The players watching that Hinsdale team on ESPN, as 10 and Under, and 11 and Under, were positioned to make a deep run at State and beyond in 2020. Unfortunately, Covid 19 intervened. This year, Hinsdale All-Stars, 10 and Under, and Hinsdale All-Stars, 12 and Under, have just won State titles. Preston Tims, manager for the 10 and Under team, and Adam Linn, manager for the 12 and Under team, both commented that putting All Star teams together has its challenges. One obvious challenge is taking groups of kids who had never played together and turning them into a team. In addition, since many of the kids were used to playing

key positions like pitcher, catcher, and shortstop, several had to learn positions that were new to them. Extra practices this year worked out well because it gave players time to learn new positions, as well as learn how to play well as teammates. It paid off.

This year’s 10 and Under Hinsdale All Stars This year’s group of 13 who are 10 and Under, went 11-0 on the way to becoming State Champs. They won in Burr Ridge at the District level, then they won at sub-state, playing Burbank, and then they won State, playing in southern Oglesby. They won that last game in the state round by beating Elmhurst in extra innings with a walk-off sacrifice fly by Cal Gambla that scored teammate Chase Continued on next page

FROM L-R: JAMES WASSON, LUKE MCLAUGHLIN, GRAHAM MARNELL, MAX JUDGE, KADEN AUCOIN, MATHEW TOMFOHRDE, GREYSON ALESIA, BRAYDEN JURGENSON, CAM LINN, OWEN SUNDERSON, QUINN ROONEY, CHARLIE SUTTON, AND JUPITER POHLENZ. (R.J. LEWIS NOT PICTURED) WHITESTOWN, IN LITTLE LEAGUE WORLD SERIES REGIONAL SEMI-FINAL GAME. PHOTO BY MARCELLO RODARTE

HINSDALE MAGAZINE | HinsdaleMag.com

Hinsdale Magazine | Cover Story Continued from the previous page Morris. The 10 and Under group of 13 players came from 8 different regular season Hinsdale Little League teams and 4 different Devils Baseball Club travel teams. Along the way, some of their most competitive games were played in the first round against Clarendon Hills. According to Manager Tims, “Not only was it great baseball, but the boys had fun playing against their friends, neighbors, and Devils travel teammates.” He added, “The boys also had a great time rooting for the 12 and Under Hinsdale All Stars who also won State. Our kids attended a number of their 12 and Under District and Sub-State games

and were a formidable cheering section. We learned a lot from the perseverance of 12 and Unders to come back and win their Sub-State tourney after a tough early loss.” “Speaking of rooting, I believe we had the best cheer: In a huddle we slowly started chanting ‘Hinsdale’ and gradually make it faster and louder...then the leader would shout ‘who are we? And everyone else would shout back ‘Hinsdale!’ The 2021 Hinsdale 10 and Under All Star roster: Keaton Cassell, Logan Douglass, Cal Gambla, Luke Main, Spencer Marnell, Chase Morris, Jude Rastorfer, Landon Ronaldson, Dylan Thick, Clayton Tims, Brock Willits, Matthew Wiskowski and Liam Wos. Besides Manager Tims, Dads coaching included Craig Cassell, and Bill Main.

PITCHER OWEN SUNDERSON CAME ON IN RELIEF OF WINNING PITCHER QUINN ROONEY TO HELP HINSDALE DEFEAT KENTUCKY 5-1 IN THE LITTLE LEAGUE WORLD SERIES REGIONAL SEM-FINAL GAME IN WHITESTOWN, IN. PHOTO BY MARCELLO RODARTE 16

HinsdaleMag.com | HINSDALE MAGAZINE

The team naturally celebrated along the way. The District championship was celebrated with pizza and the arcade at Papa Passero’s. They had a post practice team pizza party at the Peirce Park picnic tables before the State tournament began and they had a team party at Fuller House after returning from the State championship game in Oglesby.

This year’s 12 and Under Hinsdale All Stars According to Manager Adam Linn, this year’s Hinsdale’s All Stars were very fortunate to host District and Sectional play at Peirce Park on the way to State championships. The team opened up against Plainfield with a 24-0 win, followed by 24-5 and 11-4 wins over our friends from Clarendon Hills.

CLOSER BRAYDEN JURGENSON CAME ON IN RELIEF OF QUINN ROONEY AND OWEN SUNDERSON TO EARN A SAVE AND NAIL DOWN THE VICTORY FOR HINSDALE. THE WIN PLACED THE ILLINOIS STATE CHAMPIONS ONE GAME CLOSER TO PLAYING ON THE NATIONAL STAGE IN WILLIAMSPORT, PA FOR THE LITTLE LEAGUE WORLD SERIES. PHOTO BY MARCELLO RODARTE

“We were confident, but we lost a key member of the team, Luke McLaughlin to a broken right index finger that required surgery. Fortunately, we were able add another player as we headed into the sectionals.” “At 12 and Under, only one team continues on from Sectionals. In our first game we were immediately introduced to a pitcher from Alsip who shut us down for 5 1/3 innings with a devastating fastball. Quinn Rooney had a critical 15 pitch at-bat for a double, driving in Brayden Jurgenson with the tying run in the bottom of the 6th inning. Rooney’s at-bat drove the pitcher to his max pitch count and out of the ballgame. Cam Linn walked it off with a line drive single for a 2-1 victory. It was an exciting victory that energized our fans to come out for a big Friday night game vs Burbank” “Unfortunately, before the biggest crowd we have seen at Peirce Park, we played one of our worst games against Burbank. We could not find the strike zone and walked 7 kids in the first inning alone giving up 9 runs on zero hits. The game ended 16 to 4 after the 4th inning 10 run rule limit. Needless to say, we were all embarrassed and wanted to make amends for such a poor showing. The following day we beat Western Springs, 16-6, and earned the opportunity to play Burbank once more. We would need to beat them twice to make it to State, a daunting task.” “Our boys remained confident and broke the game open in top of the 4th with a 5-run inning, led by a RJ Lewis bunt single and a Quinn Rooney grand slam. A 6-3 victory. We had new life and planted the seed of doubt in a Burbank team that had already packed their bags for the State tournament. With a great pitching performance by Greyson Alesia and Rooney and a 3 run HR by Owen Sunderson, we stamped our trip to State with an 8-3 victory over Burbank. The two wins against Burbank gave us the confidence that we could beat anyone.” “Two days later in Paris, IL we opened up against South East Elgin. Steady pitching from Brayden Jurgenson and a 4 RBI-day from Kaden Aucoin powered us to a 12-9 victory. In our minds,

Continued on next page

A JAMES WASSON RBI SINGLE SCORED JUPITER POHLENZ. WASSON LATER SCORED ON A QUINN ROONEY TRIPLE TO HELP LEAD ILLINOIS STATE CHAMPION HINSDALE OVER KENTUCKY IN THE QUEST TO PLAY IN WILLIAMSPORT, PA FOR THE NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP. CAM LINN POWERED THE HINSDALE OFFENSE WITH A RBI TRIPLE AND DOUBLE. PHOTO BY MARCELLO RODARTE HINSDALE MAGAZINE | HinsdaleMag.com

Hinsdale Magazine | Cover Story

12 AND UNDER HINSDALE LITTLE LEAGUE: BOTTOM ROW FROM LEFT: CHARLIE SUTTON, GRAHAM MARNELL, BRAYDEN JURGENSON, CAM LINN, GREYSON ALESIA, OWEN SUNDERSON, RJ LEWIS. TOP ROW: JAMES WASSON, QUINN ROONEY, MAX JUDGE, KADEN AUCOIN, MATTHEW TOMFOHRDE, JUPITER POHLENZ AND LUKE MCLAUGHLIN. COACHES: ADAM LINN, CHRIS MARNELL, RYAN MCLAUGHLIN AND KEVIN RIOS.

Continued from the previous page Bourbonnais loomed as our biggest competition. They were the team that knocked us out of State at 10 and Under. Our bats did not disappoint as the boys were amped up and we had 10 hits including home runs by Max Judge and Owen Sunderson. Judge toed the rubber and with a steady defense behind him, he held Bourbonnais in check, sealing our 2nd win in State. We still needed to win a 3rd game to clinch the State Title. We were faced with a rematch against South East Elgin. Our offense stayed hot with another 10-hit performance and an 8-1 win. Key offensive players of the game were Cam Linn 3-4, Kaden Aucoin 2-3, Owen Sunderson 2-3 5 RBI HR, Max Judge 1-3 HR, Matthew Tomfohrde 1-2 2 RBI, and Graham Marnell 1-2. The tandem of pitchers Brayden Jurgenson 18

HinsdaleMag.com | HINSDALE MAGAZINE

“The team succeeded in achieving its goal that we set back in June of winning State for only the 2nd time in 20 plus years for Hinsdale Little League. The icing on the cake was that we were now the team that would represent the State of Illinois at the Great Lakes Regional Tournament. For the players, this meant being on ESPN. Regionals were held about 20 miles north of Indianapolis in a brand-new stadium complex in Whitestown, IN. The Midwest Regional and the Great Lakes Regional games were held at the facility.”

“With Covid-19, each regional team was isolated in their own pods. The Great Lakes Regional included teams representing Wisconsin, Michigan, Indiana, Kentucky, and Ohio. The top 2 teams would be moving on to Williamsport, PA to the Little League World Series. By the luck of the draw IL and IN were given byes and did not play until Monday after the required Friday check in. Unvaccinated kids and coaches were required to have Covid tests every 2 days. While it was great to be in a hotel with all the other teams, our interactions were limited as no one wanted to be sent home due to positive Covid test.”

“The team was given a “Rock Star” treatment departure, with a luxury bus and police escort from Peirce Park. Family and fans came out to wish the team well, including the 10 and Under State Champs.”

“Our first game was against Kentucky, which had several kids over 5”10, so our boys had a sense of nervousness at the start of the game. However, we jumped out ahead 2-0 in the first inning with a double by Cam Linn, an Owen

and Quinn Rooney held South East Elgin in check.”

Sunderson RBI single, and RBI double from Max Judge. All of a sudden, there was an air of confidence that we can play at this level. Quinn Rooney pitched a gem with 11 strikeouts. There was a 4th inning onslaught of 3 triples by Jupiter Pohlenz, Quinn Rooney, and Cam Linn, and a key single by James Wasson to put the game out of reach. Final score: 5-1, over Kentucky.” “We had made our way to the Regional Semi-Final game against Michigan. Winner is guaranteed a trip the Little League World Series. We liked our chances, with our hot bats and knowing that even if we lost the game, we would still have one more shot to make it to Williamsport.” “Michigan put out their best pitcher and limited us to 3 hits (Rooney, McLaughlin, and Marnell all had singles). Michigan opened up the flood

gates in the 4th inning extending a 2-0 lead to 6-0. We did not play a great game but we were still confident we could win our next game…especially because we had a day off and we would face the winner of Kentucky vs Ohio in a win or go home game. We knew who ever won would have a depleted pitching staff for our game. Unfortunately, Kentucky came down with a positive Covid-19 test and would have to forfeit the game. This allowed Ohio to have enough rest to bring back their best pitcher against us.” “We were still extremely confident that we could beat Ohio. We gave up a 2-run home run in the first inning and it remained 2-0 thru 4 innings. Their pitcher was the real deal, striking us out 13 times in the game. Our kids became frustrated with the strike zone and could not solve the pitcher. Things turned ugly in the 5th when we were not able

to throw strikes, and ultimately, Ohio expanded the 2-0 lead hitting the run limit and officially knocking us out of the tournament.” “Even though there were lots of tears and emotions following the game, the coaching staff reminded the 14 players that they have achieved something only one other team in Hinsdale had accomplished. They gave it their best and left it all out on the field, and that was all we asked for. They had a once in a lifetime experience for 12 year-old baseball players.” ■

BOTTOM ROW: CLAYTON TIMS, SPENCER MARNELL, MATTHEW WISKOWSKI, LOGAN DOUGLASS, LANDON RONALDSON, LIAM WOS, CHASE MORRIS. MIDDLE ROW: CAL GAMBLA, BROCK WILITS, JUDE RASTORFER, KEATON CASSELL, LUKE MAIN COACHES: BILL MAIN, PRESTON TIMS, CRAIG CASSELL. MISSING: DYLAN THICK HINSDALE MAGAZINE | HinsdaleMag.com

Hinsdale Magazine | Cover Story

LITTLE LEAGUE WORLD SERIES RUN

CAM LINN TRIPLED AND SCORED TO LEAD THE OFFENSIVE CHARGE IN THE 5-1 WIN OVER KENTUCKY IN WHITESTOWN, INDIANA LITTLE LEAGUE WORLD SERIES REGIONAL PLAYOFFS. PHOTO BY MARCELLO RODARTE

HINSDALE'S FANS AWAIT FOR A SHOWDOWN WITH KENTUCKY IN WHITESTOWN, INDIANA. PHOTO BY MARCELLO RODARTE

A JUPITER POHLENZ TRIPLE IGNITED A HINSDALE RALLY AGAINST KENTUCKY IN DOWNSTATE INDIANA REGIONAL LITTLE LEAGUE WORLD SERIES PLAYOFF ROUND. POHLENZ EMBRACES HIS FATHER JULIUS AFTER THE GAME. HINSDALE LOST TO OHIO AND MICHIGAN WHICH PLAYED EACH OTHER IN THE LITTLE LEAGUE WORLD SERIES IN WILLIAMSPORT, PA WITH MICHIGAN PREVAILING AS THE 2021 CHAMPIONS. PHOTOS BY MARCELLO RODARTE AND DAVE TOMFOHRDE 20

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Hinsdale Magazine | Peak Performance

“Wyatt, I stand corrected. You are an oak.”

– DOC HOLIDAY ADDRESSING WYATT EARP IN THE 1993 FILM “TOMBSTONE”

Champions Are Oak Tree Performers:

5 Tips to Survive & Thrive

he mighty oak tree is an age-old symbol of strength, endurance, and longevity. Do you reflect the qualities of this majestic plant? How do you fare when the going gets tough? Do you stand tall against injustice, insubordination, inequality, defiance, discrimination, unreasonableness, irrationality, insolence, and insubordination? Are you an oak? An oak is a tree of the beech genus with approximately 600 species. Many oaks are 500 years old with the Seven Sisters Oak in Louisiana estimated at 1500 years old. That’s endurance! This incredible timber can withstand violent storms, floods, and drought due to its dense trunk, fortified branches, and deep root system, albeit many are having difficulty surviving the record wildfires of 2021. Nonetheless, in November 2004 the United States officially proclaimed the oak our national tree, replicating a distinction already existing in other countries. Does this resilience represent how you react to hardship, moments of truth, disrespect, unexpected events, confrontation, or fierce competition? How’s your strength, endurance, and longevity? Here are five tips from the imposing oak you can use in your life, business, or sport.

BY JIM FANNIN

1. Make a stand. When you are confronted with something disagreeable, use this power phrase, “This is NOT acceptable.” Say this phrase while looking people directly in the eyes. Say it slowly and practice silence following the word NOT, as in “This is NOT...acceptable!” Whoever speaks next, loses. Mean what you say and be firm like the mighty oak. 2. Stand tall. With positive principles, morals, and values solidifying a foundation of conviction, rely on these strong roots to foster consistent growth. Hold fast to your principles of equality, justice, fairness, integrity, and honesty. Keep these out in the open for all to bear witness. In the toughest of times, it is these principles that ground you and keep you on course for success, without compromise. 3. Weather the storms. Surprises happen. Expect the unexpected. The oak tree adapts and readjusts to swiftly changing conditions. When a “life hurricane” arrives, absorb the negativity, let it pass through you like a palm tree, but stand tall like the oak. Swiftly grow back broken branches. Repair what needs to be repaired without complaint, malice, or revenge.

(if any). Every business and/or sport has cycles that can be historically predictable. Prepare for them. Stockpile cash for the off-season. Ramp up personnel in the heavy times such as retail businesses do before the holidays or the vacation business when school is out. MLB players prepare to play in cold weather in April. Champions change with the season. 5. Be a great leader. "Acorns don’t fall far from the tree.” An oak tree drops its acorns and in its image this seed doesn’t stray far from basic philosophies and lessons learned. Create new oak trees that stand by their beliefs, expectations, and convictions. Be a mentor, coach, and leader to the next generation. The mighty oak tree will probably outlive us all. It knows how to survive and thrive. At times, we need to be the oak tree and exude all its amazing qualities. Be in the Zone! © copyright. All rights reserved. ZoneCoach, LLC 2021 ■

4. Change with the seasons. Just like the imposing oak, know your seasons HINSDALE MAGAZINE | HinsdaleMag.com

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Hinsdale Magazine | Out and About

Hinsdale is a hotbed for one of America’s fastest growing sports:

Pickleball! BY LARRY ATSEFF

s crazy as the name sounds, the recent national growth of Pickleball is even crazier. The growth includes Hinsdale.

Here’s more believe it or not. There are professional Pickleball players and one came to Hinsdale in August. His name is Zane Navratil and he is ranked number 3 in the world. A few more fun facts. Joseph Voigt is a local “ambassador” for the USAPA (USA Pickleball Association), and is behind a lot of the local growth including working with the Hinsdale Park District to turn several tennis courts into Pickleball courts at Brook Park. There are also two courts at Robbins Park at 7th and Vine Streets. It is free to play at these parks. He is also helping Jen Gellwas run a mixed doubles tournament on September 12. He says, “All credit goes to the game itself, because it is more than a game, it is a social event that people look forward to. 28

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Some play it 7 days a week. They just can’t get enough of it.” “Thwack, thwack, thwack. ‘Good shot’. ‘Oh, it’s just out.’” Those are the kinds of sounds and shouts you hear over at Brook Park, off of Third Street, in the southeast part of Hinsdale, backed up to the Tollway. Seven days a week, from 7am to 11 am, on 6 pristine, well-maintained courts, dozens of singles and couples show up every morning. Those sounds explain a lot. Rallies can take 15 to 20 shots or more. Teams are formed ad hoc, and the aim is to just have fun and get some exercise along the way. The game is based on racket sports (tennis, badminton and table tennis) and there are several levels of skill, as with any sport. You play on a court that is easy to cover, measuring 44 feet long by 20 feet wide in total, with a net separating each side which measure 20 feet by 22 feet. You play with a flat paddle with honeycomb holes and a wiffleball-like ball with holes

in it. You can play singles, but most people play doubles. One side keeps serving into the service area on the opposite court until they lose a point. The games go to 11 points and you have to win by 2 points. People come from all over to Brook Park. On a recent Saturday morning, we spoke with John Walsh, who came all the way from Elmwood Park who said, “Play it once and you’ll get hooked. Good workout, and no one is playing for blood or money.” Vivek Ghai, a retired physician from Forest Park, says “If I don’t play, my day is incomplete. It is great exercise. I have been here for 3 hours and my fitbit says I used 1500 calories. Before I started playing, I just sat at home, and was getting a little depressed. This has literally changed my life.” Linda Jones of Hinsdale said it is an easier game than tennis and a friendlier game too. “Once it was just for older people, but we play with my grandkids and they love it. They are now teaching it

at more and more schools. It has become really fast growing.” (According to Voigt, Hinsdale Central and LT have offered Pickleball for 35 years.) She said “When we go down to Florida, an hour north of Orlando there is retirement community which has 120 courts and there are people in their 80’s who are pretty good.” Marcia Nolan, Hinsdale, said “It is highly addictive. Lots of fun. We play 2-3 times a week. And, we get together socially.” No wonder the Salt Creek Tennis Club, Hinsdale Racquet Club, Midtown Athletic Club, and The Community House, and other community centers offer Pickleball.

nothing to do. The property had an old badminton court so Pritchard and Bell looked for some badminton equipment and could not find a full set of rackets. They improvised and started playing with ping-pong paddles and a perforated plastic ball. At first, they placed the net at badminton height of 60 inches and volleyed the ball over the net. As the weekend progressed, the players found

Pickleball’s Places2Play map. In 2019, the official website claimed that 3.3 million people are playing the game in the US. Voigt estimates that there are hundreds upon hundreds in the western suburbs of Chicago alone.

How the game got its name The name of the game is another story. This comes from the USAPA website: Joan Pritchard, wife of Joel, one of the founders, went to Marietta College, which happened to have a strong rowing team at the time, so she knew how regattas were run. As it happened, the University of Washington had a top-tier rowing program, and hosted annual regattas which Joan attended, cheering her Marietta team.

“All credit goes to the game itself, because it is more than a game, it is a social event that people look forward to. Some play it 7 days a week. They just can’t get enough of it.”

So, is it time to get off the couch? Stop by the locations mentioned and find out how you can have some fun, get some exercise and even meet some new people.

How Pickleball got started Here’s how this deceptively simple game got started and has recently grown by leaps and bounds. After playing golf one Saturday during the summer of 1965, Joel Pritchard, congressman from Washington State and Bill Bell, a successful businessman, returned to Pritchard’s home on Bainbridge Island, WA (near Seattle) to find their families sitting around with

- . JOSEPH VOIGT

that the ball bounced well on the asphalt surface and soon the net was lowered to 36 inches. The following weekend, Barney McCallum was introduced to the game at Pritchard’s home. Soon, the three men created rules, relying heavily on badminton. They kept in mind the original purpose, which was to provide a game that the whole family could play together. From that beginning, today there is the USA Pickleball Association, and there are now nearly 8,500 locations on the USA

Regattas pit the best varsity teams against each other. Afterwards, the leftover “spare” oarsmen from competing schools participated as combined crews in a separate just-for-a-fun “pickleboat” race. In her mind, she thought the game her husband and his friends created was sort of like bits of other games (badminton, table tennis, tennis) so, to her, it just seemed natural to call their new game Pickleball. There has never been another name. ■

PICKLEBALL PLAYERS GATHERED IN MARCH 2020 BEFORE COVID-19 HINSDALE MAGAZINE | HinsdaleMag.com

Hinsdale Magazine | Out & About

Take A Walk In The Park Take Several This Fall At Morton Arboretum

Fall Color 5K Run and Walk Saturday, Oct. 2 $45 Satisfy your inner tree champion while running or walking along a scenic, rolling course in the annual Fall Color 5K. Participation supports the Arboretum’s work to plant and protect trees.

Scarecrow Trail Daily in October. Free with Arboretum admission Gaze upon the nature-themed scarecrow trail created by local Scout troops while walking along a scenic onemile paved path round Meadow Lake. Vote for your favorite on either your mobile device or inside the Visitor Center.

HinsdaleMag.com | HINSDALE MAGAZINE

Glass Pumpkin Patch Wednesday, Oct. 13 through Sunday, Oct. 17 | 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free with Arboretum admissionThe 11th annual Glass Pumpkin Patch at The Morton Arboretum, Oct. 13 through Oct. 17, will feature daily demonstrations of the ancient glassblowing art form. New this year is a Halloween tent with frightful works of art to decorate the home and outdoor spaces. The Glass Pumpkin Exhibition (no pumpkins will be available for purchase)from Oct. 13-15 is a beautiful display of thousands of hand-blown glass pumpkins. The Glass Pumpkin Sale begins 1 p.m. Friday, Oct. 15, and runs through 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 17.

Cider and Ale Fest Saturday, Oct. 23 | Noon to 4 p.m. Sample ciders and seasonal beers in the midst of rich fall color at the Cider and Ale Festival at the Arboretum on Oct. 23. Local craft breweries and cideries will be serving seasonal and flagship brews, ciders and meads. Tasting booths will be spread out along the Meadow Lake, Frost Hill, and Conifer walking paths so you can sip and stroll while enjoying the beautiful surroundings of the Arboretum. Each ticket purchase includes 20, 3-ounce samples, with more than 60 samples offered. New this year, non-drinking and underage guests are able to join ticket holders along the tasting route with a general Arboretum admission ticket.

HINSDALE MAGAZINE | HinsdaleMag.com

Hinsdale Magazine | In Person

“I firmly believe it’s possible to combine classic horsemanship with modern equine management in a professional and transparent business atmosphere. We’re proud of running our operation with these pillars as the foundation.” - ANNA HALLENE Owner and Trainer at Glenwood Farm ANNA HALLENE, PICTURED HERE IN WELLINGTON, FL. WITH “WOCELLO” AND DOG, VIOLET. PHOTOGRAPHY BY ELENA LUSENTI 32

HinsdaleMag.com | HINSDALE MAGAZINE

Hinsdalean Lives Her Dream Of A Business In Show Jumping BY LARRY ATSEFF

eet Anna Hallene, owner and trainer at Glenwood Farm where she trains horses and riders to compete in the sport of show jumping. She grew up in Hinsdale where she developed a passion for the sport, and for the people and horses who participate in it. It’s one thing to have a dog or cat for a pet. It’s quite another to have a 1200 pound animal. These horses are athletes in their own right. A lot goes in to their care and into forming a bond that enables horse and rider to tackle a course of jumps in the show ring. She says, “I grew up riding at a local stable, Stanley Luke Farm and was lucky to have the opportunity to compete extensively in the hunter, jumper, and equitation rings as a kid. I was a quintessential barn rat, spending all my time at the barn and riding anything and everything I could get my hands on. And honestly, not much has changed. I’m still a ‘horse girl’.”

Since becoming a professional at age 23 in 2015, she has competed in everything from the baby green hunter and young jumper classes up through the national Grand Prix level, and has coached students to success, as well." She opened Glenwood Farm in 2020 and explains: “I sought to create something that isn’t so easily found – a stable that combines training for high-level competition and quality sale horses with a business-minded and customerservice oriented mindset.” “I firmly believe it’s possible to combine classic horsemanship with modern equine management in a professional and transparent business atmosphere. We’re proud of running our operation with these pillars as the foundation.” Glenwood Farm is operated out of Equestrian Events in Maple Park, IL. The stables feature large, airy 12’ x 12’ stalls, a fully heated barn and indoor ring, a large outdoor ring with fiber footing, and acres of grass and all-weather paddocks. Anna adds, “My staff and I see

it as a huge privilege to be able to work with these animals on a daily basis. To be entrusted with the care and training of clients’ horses is just as much of a privilege, one we don’t take lightly.” From April – November, she helps riders and their horses prepare for competitions throughout the Midwest, often at the Lamplight Equestrian Center, in nearby Wayne. Then, from December – March, Anna and some of her clients shift attention to Wellington, Florida, where equestrians from all over the US and the world gather to train and compete. All in all, Anna has gotten off to a great start with her clients and her business. For a nice, pleasant, short drive and diversion, her Glenwood Farm is just 45 minutes west on I-88 where you get off at exit 47. If you’re interested in touring her well-thought-out operation or learning more about her program, call ahead to 630 915 4715. For more, go to glenwoodfarm.us. Continued on next page HINSDALE MAGAZINE | HinsdaleMag.com

Hinsdale Magazine | In Person

DURING THE SUMMER, ANNA AND HER TEAM TRAVEL TO HORSE SHOWS THROUGHOUT THE MIDWEST. SHOWN HERE COMPETING WITH “GRAPPA” AT THE SPLIT ROCK COLUMBUS INTERNATIONAL HORSE SHOW, COLUMBUS, OH. PHOTOGRAPHY BY KATE KOSNOFF

GLENWOOD FARM IS OPERATED OUT OF EQUESTRIAN EVENTS IN MAPLE PARK, IL. PHOTOGRAPHY BY ELENA LUSENTI

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@thedrakeoakbrook

Hinsdale Magazine | Sports History

Bill Veeck, Owner of White Sox, Twice, Hall of Famer and Hinsdale resident

Charles Comiskey, Founder of White Sox, Hall of Famer

Charles II (Charley, Chuck) grandson of Charles Comiskey, White Sox owner and Hinsdale resident 36

HinsdaleMag.com | HINSDALE MAGAZINE

COMISKEY and VEECK Big names in White Sox history, also lived in Hinsdale Part 1

BY LARRY ATSEFF

f you are a White Sox fan, 2021 is shaping up to be memorable. They were sensational in beating the Yankees in dramatic fashion in the inaugural Field of Dreams game played in Iowa on Aug. 9. They have led their division for most of the season by a large margin. And now that most of their key players have recovered from injuries, they can pace themselves so everyone is ready, just in time for the postseason. If you live in Hinsdale, you can be doubly proud. Two of the biggest names in White Sox history, Charley Comiskey and Bill Veeck, also lived in Hinsdale. This article will be Part 1, recounting the impact both men had on the team during much of its history, as well as baseball, in general.

(runs batted in) and 419 stolen bases. As a manager, he earned an 839-542 record. At the turn of the century, Comiskey became the owner of a team he eventually called the Chicago White Sox. (He owned a team called the St. Paul Saints, which he moved to Chicago as the White Stockings. He later shortened the

the 1919 World Series. When the scandal broke late in the 1920 season, Comiskey suspended the players, knowing the decision would really hurt the team—and it did. The eight players were acquitted of wrongdoing in a trial, but Major League Baseball (MLB) commissioner Kenesaw Landis still issued a lifetime ban for all of them.

“This is a game to be savored, not gulped. There’s time to discuss everything between pitches and between innings.”

Part 2, in October, will focus on their time in Hinsdale. Let’s start at the very beginning.

Charles Comiskey, Founder of the White Sox Charles Comiskey was born in 1859. He played first base and managed several teams between 1882 and 1894, including the St. Louis Stockings and Browns, the Chicago Pirates, St. Louis Browns and Cincinnati Reds. Comiskey is credited with the innovation of playing off of first base, instead of simply standing on the base, to strengthen infield defense. As a player, he compiled a .264 batting average, 29 home runs, 883 RBIs

— BILL VEECK

name to White Sox. See Sox logos, over time). Comiskey owned the team from 1900 to 1931, when he died at age 72. During his ownership, the White Sox won the World Series in 1906, and again in 1917. His team captured American League pennants in 1900, 1901, 1906, 1917 and 1919. He also oversaw building Comiskey Park in 1910. Unfortunately, during the end of his ownership, it is said, some of his players resented what they considered his “stinginess” (for example, he made them pay for laundering their uniforms). Eight players, including star outfielder "Shoeless" Joe Jackson, were accused of conspiring to throw

Comiskey was posthumously inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1939. A lifesize bronze statue of Charles Comiskey is located on the center field concourse behind section 100.

Charles Comiskey II, (Charley, Chuck)

Upon Charles Comiskey’s death in 1931, ownership of the franchise devolved to son Lou Comiskey, who owned the Sox until 1939, when he passed away. It then passed to Lou’s wife, Grace Comiskey. Lou and Grace had three children: oldest sister Dorothy, middle child Gracie Lou, and Charley, born in 1925. At one point in the late 40’s and early 50’s, Dorothy helped her mother Grace run the club. In 1948, at 23, Charley joined the family business. He and John Rigney, Dorothy’s husband, worked to together to improve the ball club’s farm system. According to Billy Pierce, White Continued on next page HINSDALE MAGAZINE | HinsdaleMag.com

Hinsdale Magazine | Sports History Bill Veeck, Sox Owner, and Baseball’s Legendary Entrepreneur and Innovator

Continued from the previous page

Certainly, the Comiskeys loomed large in White Sox history. But then, Bill Veeck cane along and became known as one of the most imaginative entrepreneurs and innovators of the game, not only for the White Sox, but baseball in general. Veeck was just four years old when his father, a sportswriter, was named president of the Cubs. When he was growing up, Veeck learned about team management by working as a vendor, ticket salesman and junior groundskeeper. In fact, Cubs fans can thank Veeck for the ivy on the outfield walls, which he had planted in September 1937.

CHARLES COMISKEY AND WILLIAM VEECK SR.

Continued from the previous page Sox pitching ace from 1949-1961, (Charley) “helped do an awful lot developing the farm system with the White Sox. He made some of the big changes for the ballclub from being a team that was quite down in the ‘30s and 40’s to becoming the ‘GoGo White Sox’ of the 50’s, which led to the team winning the American League pennant in 1959.” Pierce added, Charley was well liked by the players throughout his tenure. “You’d never know he owned the ballclub. He was very friendly, very nice. He always mingled with the ball players.” With the death of mother Grace in 1957, there was a struggle for control of the club between Dorothy and Charley, who, by then, was cogeneral manager. Charley felt the club was his birthright and he sued for control. She owned 54% and Charley owned 46%. After a lengthy court battle, and a low bid from Charley, Dorothy sold her stake to Bill Veeck 38

HinsdaleMag.com | HINSDALE MAGAZINE

in 1958. In 1961, Veeck sold his stake to the Allyn family. In 1962, Charley Comiskey sold his stake as well to the Allyns, which ended Comiskey family ownership. While the Comiskeys and Veecks crossed paths when Dorothy sold her stake of the White Sox to the group headed by Veeck, the Comiskeys and Veecks met much earlier, when Bill's father William Veeck Sr. served as president of the Chicago Cubs.

EDDIE GAEDEL AT BAT AP PICTURE

Four years later, in 1941, Veeck partnered with former Cubs star Charlie Grimm to purchase the then AAA Milwaukee Brewers. Arriving in Milwaukee with just $11 in his pocket, Veeck nevertheless found ways to attract fans on a shoestring. He gave away live animals during games, scheduled morning games for night-shift workers, and even staged weddings at home plate. Efforts like these paid off. Five years and three American Association pennants later, Veeck sold the Brewers for a $275,000 profit. After a stint in The Marines in World War II, during which he lost

Chicago White Stockings 1901-1902 (Original name of team under Charles Comiskey ownership)

FANS IN THE STANDS CALLED THE PLAYS

his right leg, Veeck looked for ways to get into the MLB. He put together a debenture-stock group that enabled financial backers to put the majority of their money into loans for the team. That allowed Veeck to become a minority owner of the Cleveland Indians for $268,000 in 1946. Since the Indians hadn’t performed well since winning the World Series in 1920, Veeck knew he had to create excitement and interest among the fans. He put Indians games on the radio. Because a fan complained that

the team honored everybody but the “average Joe,” he staged a “Good Old Joe Earley Night." He also added fireworks after games, among other promotions. When the team moved to a larger stadium, he put in a movable fence. It could be adjusted by 15 feet from home plate, depending on how the distance could favor his pitchers and hitters vs. the other teams. In response, the American League put in a rule that prevented changing distances of fences during the season.

First logo as Chicago White Sock 1903

Chicago White Sox 1919, The “Black Sox” Season

Continued on next page

LARRY DOBY WAS SIGNED BY BILL VEECK TO THE CLEVELAND INDIANS IN 1947, THE FIRST BLACK PLAYER IN THE AMERICAN LEAGUE

Chicago White Sox 1976 - 1990

Chicago White Sox 1982-1986, 2013 to present

Chicago White Sox 1991 to present HINSDALE MAGAZINE | HinsdaleMag.com

Hinsdale Magazine | Sports History

BILL VEECK’S EXPLODING SCOREBOARD INSTALLED IN 1960 AT COMISKEY PARK

Continued from the previous page Not all of his moves were entertaining in nature. In fact, in 1947, he made a bold move that was good for the entire game, signing Larry Doby as the first African-American player in American League history, just three months after the Brooklyn Dodgers of the National League signed Jackie Robinson as the first black man to play in the major leagues. Doby became the Indians' starting center fielder a year later. Doby is quoted as saying, “One by one, [Indians manager] Lou [Boudreau] introduced me to each player. All the guys put their hand out—all but three. As soon as he could, Bill Veeck got rid of those three.” Veeck then made another move in the same vein. He signed 42-year-old Negro League legend Satchel Paige in 1948, making Paige the oldest rookie in MLB history. The Indians then proved they were back by capturing their first World Series in 28 years. 40

HinsdaleMag.com | HINSDALE MAGAZINE

The fans responded as the team set an all-time record by drawing 2.6 million attendees that season. Never missing an opportunity to draw attention, when it was clear the 1949 Indians would not repeat as champions, Veeck literally buried the 1948 championship flag. An expensive divorce settlement forced him to sell his stake in the team. Looking for new opportunities, Veeck re-emerged two years later when he bought the struggling St. Louis Browns franchise. The Browns shared Sportsman’s Park with the more successful Cardinals. True to form, to make news, he hired former Cardinals stars Rogers Hornsby and Marty Marion as managers. He even decorated the shared Sportsman’s Park with Browns memorabilia. The Browns still struggled in 1951. Anxious to attract more fans, Veeck concocted arguably his most creative publicity stunt to that point. On Aug. 19, 1951, a 3-foot, 7-inch man named Eddie Gaedel walked to the

plate as a pinch-hitter for the Browns in the bottom of the first inning in the second game of a doubleheader against the Tigers. Wearing the uniform number “1/8,” Gaedel used his minuscule strike zone to draw a walk on four pitches. He was promptly replaced for a pinch runner at first base, completing his day as the shortest man to ever play in the major leagues. American League president Will Harridge denounced the stunt as a mockery of the game, and voided Gaedel’s contract. Veeck responded by saying, “I try not to break the rules, but merely to test their elasticity.” (Insert picture of Gaedel at the plate) Five days after Gaedel’s appearance, Veeck was at it again. He introduced "grandstand manager’s night," during which fans were given placards that told manager Zack Taylor whether the team should steal a base, bunt or change pitchers. As Taylor sat back in a rocking chair, Veeck and the fans led the Browns to a 5-3 win over the

Philadelphia Athletics. Attendance doubled for the Browns, even though the team remained in the cellar in 1951 and 1952. Despite Veeck’s best efforts, the Browns’ financial issues, coupled with increasing pressure from opposing owners, forced him to sell the team to a group from Baltimore after the 1953 season.

He marched in the parade as a peglegged fife player, bringing up the rear.

More Veeck innovations. He encouraged announcer Harry Caray, to sing “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” to the Sox faithful.

won a World Series in 2005, and replaced old Comiskey Park with a new stadium, complete with naming rights. Today, the stadium is called Guaranteed Rate Field, and the team is in the hunt for another World Series in 2021.

“Baseball is almost the only orderly thing in a very unorderly world. If you get three strikes, even the best lawyer in the world can’t get you off.”

As noted earlier, Veeck was back in baseball in 1959 when he bought a controlling interest in the White Sox. Later that year, the Sox captured their first AL pennant in 40 seasons, and set a team attendance record with 1.4 million paying fans. True to form, Veeck immediately made his mark by installing baseball’s first “exploding scoreboard” at Comiskey Park, and adding players’ names to their uniforms. Poor health forced Veeck to sell the White Sox in 1961 to Arthur and John Allyn. After selling the White Sox, Veeck worked intermittently as a television commentator for ABC. Veeck moved to the Eastern Shore of Maryland with his family to convalesce. When his health improved, Veeck made an unsuccessful attempt to buy the Washington Senators, then operated the Suffolk Downs race track in Boston in 1969–70.

In 1975, when a group was trying to buy and move the White Sox to Seattle, Veeck was the only potential buyer willing to keep the White Sox in Chicago. And, so, once more, Bill Veeck returned to the owner’s box at Comiskey in 1975. In his later years, Veeck stayed active and continued to attract attention. He conducted trades in a hotel lobby during the winter meetings, in full view of the public. In 1976, America’s bicentennial year, on opening day, Veeck celebrated a “Spirit of ’76” parade at the stadium.

— BILL VEECK

He was the only owner who supported Curt Flood in Flood’s successful bid for free agency. Later, he came up with the idea of adapting to free agency with “Rent A Player”, making offers to stars of other teams in their option year. He reactivated Minnie Minoso for eight at bats in 1976 so Minnie could claim playing baseball over four decades. Not everything Bill did went smoothly. In 1979, Veeck ran an explosive promotion that literally backfired: he hosted “Disco Demolition Night,” an event that caused a riot at Comiskey, and forced the White Sox to forfeit the game to the Detroit Tigers.

After he sold the Sox in 1981, Veeck would spend much of the next few years in the bleachers at Wrigley Field watching Cubs games. His son Michael, 69, is still active in baseball, currently President of the St. Paul Saints, a Triple-A team in Minnesota. Like his Dad, Mike has said I am a big believer in “Fun is Good”. Bill Veeck passed away on Jan. 2, 1986, and was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1991.

FOOTNOTES We have drawn from several sources for this article. Included are baseballhall.org/hallof-famers/veeck-bill. Chicago Historical Society Encyclopedia Britannica Wikipedia: Charles Finley, Chuck Finley, Michael Veeck baseball-reference.com/bullpen/ Bill_Veeck The Hinsdale Historical Society also contributed copies of newspaper accounts over the years of the activities of Comiskeys and Veecks ■

In 1980, Veeck concluded that his group lacked sufficient resources to stay in baseball. In 1981, he agreed to sell the Sox to Ohio shopping mall developer Edward DeBartolo. Three weeks after the season ended, American League owners rejected DeBartolo’s bid, reportedly concerned about his ownership of racetracks. Veeck then turned to a group led by Jerry Reinsdorf that he had rejected that summer and finally sold the team. Reinsdorf and his group have owned the team since, for more than 40 years. During that time, they HINSDALE MAGAZINE | HinsdaleMag.com

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Hinsdale Magazine | Community Scene

ROB AND NORA TONN WITH THEIR DAUGHTER SCARLETT AT THE BROOKS EDWIN TONN MEMORIAL BRIDGE DEDICATION.

HinsdaleMag.com | HINSDALE MAGAZINE

BRIDGE DEDICATED IN MEMORY OF BROOKS EDWIN TONN BY LARRY ATSEFF

n Saturday morning, August 21, Hinsdalearea residents gathered at Veeck Park to witness the dedication of the 47th Street Bridge to Brooks Edwin Tonn, who passed away on December 1, 2017 at age 10 after a brave battle with rare childhood cancer. Illinois Minority Leader Jim Durkin opened the ceremony by remarking, "I didn't know Brooks, but I think we all got to know him in some way. This is a young man who in his life and with his passing, has brought this community together like nothing I've ever witnessed in my life." In memory of Brooks, his grandmother Nancy Keenan along with community members reached out to state representatives to request the bridge be dedicated in Brooks’ memory. It was accomplished by unanimously passing a joint resolution in the Illinois General Assembly, led by Durkin, Suzy GlowiakHilton, John Curran, and Deanne Mazzochi, who were also in attendance. Durkin added, "Brooks Tonn lived by the motto 'have courage and be kind’.” Brooks’ parents, Rob and Nora Tonn were in Durkin's office when the House resolution passed. "We do a lot of resolutions in Springfield honoring many people," Durkin said, "but with this one, you could hear a pin drop in the House. I was honored to have his family with me to be able to experience that special

moment, where we recognized this young man who has done so much to bring people together."

being around him.” Coincidentally, the legislative bill which passed was number 13.

Tonn grew up in Hinsdale, excelled academically and participated actively in sports. The resolution stated that he was "always first on the field, and always ready for a pickup game".

Tonn thanked the community and its inspiring effort to keep the blue and yellow cups on the bridge overpass fence spelling out “BROOKS STRONG” – a powerful symbol of love from a town that has been moved by a young boy who loved sports and just wanted to share the game with his friends. In further memory of Brooks, his family has established The Brooks Strong Foundation to aid families of young athletes who are battling cancer.

He was a pitcher on the Hinsdale Red Dogs travel baseball team, quarterback on his Hinsdale Falcons football team; also enjoyed playing golf and swimming. His father, Rob, remarked, “He was always at the park. Brooks was a natural athlete, and he would stand by, waiting to join a pick-up game.” He smiled, saying, “He was a ‘park rat’. My number, growing up, was 13, and Brooks made that his number, too.” Nora, his mother said, “Kids just liked

Tonn thanked everyone for attending, and "for continuing to love and be inspired by Brooks. He led by example, and he showed us how to live." ■

AREA RESIDENTS ATTEND THE BROOKS EDWIN TONN MEMORIAL BRIDGE DEDICATION ON 47TH STREET AT VEECK PARK IN HINSDALE, IL

HINSDALE MAGAZINE | HinsdaleMag.com

Dr. Rachel Bognet

Dr. Christina Steil

We Keep Your Skin Looking Its Best Dermatologists Christina Steil and Rachel Bognet, and their staff can help you and your skin, no matter your age. Providing the appropriate cosmetic and medical skin care to patients suffering from various skin ailments, they help you achieve a more beautiful, healthy, natural look. If you are younger, they emphasize prevention with an individualized skincare regimen. For middle years, a combination of techniques is used to both prevent and correct aging problems. More mature age groups have the most skin issues such as dryness, thinning, wrinkling, loss of elasticity and spottiness - and some of those spots can even be skin cancers. The team encourages these patients to have a skin cancer check prior to treatments to cosmetically treat their skin. At age 65, team member Kathy Mandarino, RN is a great example of how taking proper care of your skin throughout your lifetime will prevent

the typical changes expected. Kathy, who is fair-skinned, started using sunscreen in her late 20’s and skin care products in her early thirties. In fact, when she sent her daughters off to college, she sent vitamin c serums with them. She has been getting Intense Pulse Light treatments (IPL/BBL) bi-annually since age 46, and has treated patients with the IPL/BBL devices just as long. As CSC Dermatology has adopted the latest and most advanced skin care devices and treatments, she added new treatments to her regimen.

proof that treatments, combined with healthy skin care habits, do work. Treatment can be started at any age, and with the right program, you too will have your best skin. You are never too young or too old to take care of your skin. Drs. Steil and Bognet and the staff at CSC Dermatology look forward to helping you keep your skin beautiful.

Favorites include the CoolMini and Ultherapy that colleague Amber Maloni treated her with, to maintain her jawline and avoid developing a double chin; the Silhouette Instalift that Dr. Bognet treated her with, to lift her jowls and the fillers done by Dr. Steil to maintain her natural lift and volume without being overfilled. Kathy’s treatment plan has helped her to keep her beautiful skin and is

Kathleen Mandarino, RN, BSN

Locations: 125 W. 2nd St, Hinsdale 5157 Main, Suite 205, Downers Grove Phone: 630 455 0045 Web: cscdermatology.com

DIV EHEART IN DEPTH

Phil Kommer’s Story

ow did you first become involved with Diveheart?

It’s a funny story on how I got involved as a volunteer with Diveheart around eighteen years ago. It all started when my dive buddy and Diveheart Adaptive instructor Bob Hemmidinger, tried talking me into volunteering. I told him I’d be happy to work with veterans, but had a fear of being responsible for kids. He assured me that Diveheart worked with veterans. So I showed up at the next pool event at 8am on a Saturday, and all I saw was kids. I said, where are the veterans? He said, they get here at noon, now get in the water and help us out. I reluctantly did help with the kids and after that I fell in love and I was hooked. I work as a facilities engineer at Edward-Elmhurst hospital and I was just a recreational diver before working with Diveheart. I had no experience in working with people with disabilities before that either. Now I am a

Divemaster, and am confident that my adaptive scuba training and experience has helped me become a better diver and adaptive dive buddy. I’ve had so many wonderfully moving experiences that have brought me to tears it’s hard to keep track or pick out a favorite one. It’s like asking a five year old what their favorite ice cream is. I’ve seen some participants really overcome their fear and come out of the water exclaiming I did it, I did it. It really builds confidence. After a Diveheart pool session the kids go to school on Monday and the "able bodied kids" ask what they did over the weekend. They say, Oh I went scuba diving. Whaaaaaat? Oh yeah, here's some pics of me playing catch at the bottom of the pool! Now the term "Special" takes on a whole new meaning. They become special for what they CAN do, not what they can’t. That confidence effects these kids in so many ways. Little kids I worked with years ago are now teens or older. I can see over time the long-term effects of our work.

I have received some recognition as someone who is involved with the community through my employer who has made a modest donation in my name to Diveheart. My wife worked with the Philanthropic department of her company to grant a sizable donation. Anytime a situation arises where we can help the organization, we try to. Neither of us has a lot of free time, so we do what we can. If someone asked me what the best part of volunteering with Diveheart is, I would say the feeling I get seeing the smiles and the look of accomplishment on our participants faces. There's nothing like it. I feel like the most selfish person in the world at times because of the amazing feeling I get working with our participants. And anybody can feel that way by just helping out. No task is too small. I think that Diveheart participants and volunteers are both positively affected ,and you can tell by the smiles. ■

HINSDALE MAGAZINE | HinsdaleMag.com

Hinsdale Magazine | Giving Back

Rotary Run Charity Classic

Hinsdale’s Family Race Healthier and Stronger than Ever!

n Sunday, October 3rd, people from all over suburban Chicago will show their support for their communities and local charities by participating in the 27th Annual Rotary Run Charity Classic. This CARA certified annual event will bring many participants and spectators who will step out for children and families. “This is the 27th anniversary of the annual Rotary Run Charity Classic and we're looking forward to another successful family fun community event" said Tom Cunningham who is co-chairman of the race committee along with co-chairman Thomas Norton. "The 2021 event builds upon the 60 years of service and over two million dollars of support Hinsdale Rotary and its charities have provided locally, to the surrounding communities

HinsdaleMag.com | HINSDALE MAGAZINE

and around the world. Our goal this year, as always, is to positively impact the lives of many area residents.” said Ingrid Raiser President of the Hinsdale Rotary Club. All events begin at 8:30 am at The Community House, Eighth and Madison Streets, and wind through the historic streets of Hinsdale and end at The Community House where A variety of family activities will be featured, including: vendor/sponsor booths and refreshments, music and more. Proceeds will benefit leading community charities which include: The Community House, District 181 Foundation, Hinsdale Hospital Foundation, Rotary Club of Hinsdale Foundation and Ray Graham AssociationHanson Center. Interested runners or walkers are encouraged to register online at www. rotaryruncharityclassic.com For

more information visit the Rotary Run Charity Classic website at: w w w. r o t a r y r u n c h a r i t y c l a s s i c . com Rotary Run Charity Classic PR/Marketing / Thomas Carter Norton e-mail: tcn062302@gmail.com The Rotary Club of Hinsdale was established in 1959. We are a community organization of men and women of diversified backgrounds with a personal commitment to service. We meet every Friday at 12:15 at The Community House, located at 415 W. Eighth Street, Hinsdale. For more information or to visit our club, email us at hinsdalerotary@gmail.com. ■

ROTARY RUN CHARITY CLASSIC PARTICIPANTS

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Hinsdale Magazine | Giving Back

Anchors Aweigh

Clarendon Hills Infant Welfare BY MIKE ELLIS

About 25 Clarendon Hills Infant Welfare (CHIW) members and spouses gathered for "anchors aweigh" in the backyard of a private residence on Aug. 27.

LIKE US

The nautical-themed event doubled as both a summer fundraiser and social gathering for the chapter, which supports the Infant Welfare Society of Chicago's Angel Harvey Family Health Center on the city's Northwest Side. Attendees were encouraged to sport Nantucket attire, and enjoyed hors d'oeuvres and libations throughout the night. Chapter social chair Danielle Wheeler provided catering services for the event through her company Maison Cuisine. For more information about the Clarendon Hills chapter of the Infant Welfare Society of Chicago auxiliary, visit www.clarendonhillsinfantwelfare.org. ■

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Hinsdale Magazine | Giving Back

Trains, Trains, Trains Hinsdale Historical Society BY MIKE ELLIS

Several dozen local children enjoyed a series of crafts and activities outside the Hinsdale History Museum on Aug. 12. Organized by the Hinsdale Historical Society, this was the third such outdoor event open to the community this summer. Each event was structured around a

HinsdaleMag.com | HINSDALE MAGAZINE

different theme, ranging from patriotism for the gathering to trains for the last. At the Aug. 12 event, kids had the opportunity to furnish an assortment of train-related crafts, and play bags and various other yard games in the park adjacent to the museum.

Children also enjoyed snacks and refreshments courtesy of volunteers from the historical society and National Charity League. For more information about the Hinsdale Historical Society, visit www. hinsdalehistory.org. ■

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CANCER INSTITUTE HINSDALE & LA GRANGE

Many of the physicians affiliated with AMITA Health are independent practitioners and members of the medical staff at one or more AMITA Health hospitals and are neither employees nor agents of the hospitals. As a result, AMITA Health is not responsible for the care provided by these physicians.

Hinsdale Magazine | Entertainment

LIVE THEATER GhostLight Educational Theater Collective

FOUNDING PARTNERS WILLIAM HUNTER EVANS, COLLEEN GIBBONS, MICKI DOHERTY, CAROLINA MENAPACE, AND ALEX BAHAVEOLOS BY CAROLINA MENAPACE

If you have ever wanted to be part of live theater, come join the newly formed Ghostlight Educational Theatre Collective in the western suburbs.

HinsdaleMag.com | HINSDALE MAGAZINE

Founding partners Micki Doherty, Alex Bahaveolos, William Hunter Evans, Carolina Menapace, and Colleen Gibbons are excited to teach you about theater, from directing to acting

to vocals and the technical side. They are currently registering for their opening season. To learn more and register go to ghostlightetc.com. ■

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GRAUE MILL & MUSEUM Very Important History Happened Here

WE’RE OPEN!

Graue Mill Water Wheel Learn about the famous giant water wheel that was so advanced for its time, the Graue Mill is recognized as an Illinois Historic Engineering Landmark “representing an important technology and ear in the history of America.” and, there’s so much more.

Through November 7. Thursday-Fridays 10am-4pm, Sundays 12pm-4pm

Learn About the Underground Railroad

Christmas at the Mill

Journey on Friday and Saturday October 1, 2, at 6:30pm and 8pm Evening journey will involve music a walk in the woods, and other activities to give you a flavor of what it was to follow the escape route slaves took to freedom in the north to Canada. Dress accordingly. Reservations required; $15 adults, $10 for under 18

Graue Mill & Museum

We reopen Saturday and Sunday, November 13, 14 from 10am -5pm. Shop our Holiday boutique for handcrafted gifts and freshly ground corn meal. Free Admission.

Cornelius (Corny) reminds you to bring your masks

Adults $5

Seniors $4

Children 4-12 $2

Under 3 Free

Call 630-655-2090 or 630-920-9720

for more information on group rates and reservations.

3800 York Road, Oak Brook, just north of intersection with Ogden Avenue.

Hinsdale Magazine | History Encore

BY MIKE ELLIS

he Greater Hinsdale area is sprinkled with historical anecdotes recent and distant, and the legend that Graue Mill was once a station along the Underground Railroad is among the most fascinating.

The Mill

Located at York and Spring Roads in Oak Brook, Graue Mill dates to the middle of the 19th Century. German immigrant Fredrick Graue came to Fullersburg, Ill., named after Benjamin Fuller, the forefather of Hinsdale’s Fuller family, in 1842, and built a gristmill at that site about a decade later. Graue Mill Executive Director Leslie Goddard said that in those days, a gristmill was a vital element in pioneer communities. “You needed a place where people would go to bring the flour that they were growing,” Goddard said. “The corn, the buckwheat—anything they needed ground into flour, they could bring here. Typically, gristmills became a kind of gathering spot, because a lot of people had to use them regularly.” The mill itself was employed until the late 1910s, after which time it lay dormant until the 1930s, when an attempt was made to restore it to its original condition (1852-68). In 1950, local residents formed the DuPage Graue Mill Corporation, which was responsible for fixing the waterwheel and founding the museum. Today, remnants of the pioneer days of old Fullersburg are encapsulated at the Graue Mill Museum.

The Great Debate

While Graue was fortifying his mill, the United States was embroiled in a controversy over the issue of slavery that had been raging since its incipient stages as a nation. The tradition of West African slavery on American soil predates the Declaration of Independence, when the modern-day Eastern Seaboard was comprised of 13 British colonies. Slavery holds an ignominious position in the U.S. Constitution, whose crafters came to an agreement that a slave would tally three-fifths of a person—that is, in determining representation in the House of Representatives. But by the early 19th Century, slavery had become a decidedly sectional issue between northern and southern states, as manufacturing and mining evolved the northern economy, while that of the South remained predominantly agricultural. About 1830, the anti-slavery movement in the North received a boost from Abolitionist publications such as William Lloyd Garrison’s The Liberator, that demanded the cessation of this long-standing institution in the United States. It stated: The conditions of slaves varied

from master to master, but it is beyond dispute that many were treated with abominable cruelty and contemptuousness. Photos by Marcello Rodarte 58

HinsdaleMag.com | HINSDALE MAGAZINE

The Mystery Relating to the

UNDERGROUND RAILROAD

at GRAUE MILL HINSDALE MAGAZINE | HinsdaleMag.com

Hinsdale Magazine | History Encore

Portrait of slaves before their cabin, c. 1861

Portrait of slaves before their cabin, c. 18

“If I was free, I would go to work for a year, and get some money for myself… buy free, me, [in the first] a little andget little lot land, andfor [then] “If II was I would go place, to work for ahouse, year, and some money myself… I would go toplace, old [Virginia], and see mylittle old mother.” I buy me, [in the first] a little house, and lot land, and [then] -Louisiana slave in old conversation Olmsted I would go to [Virginia],with andFrederick see my oldLaw mother.” -Louisiana slave in conversationsaid. with Olmsted “TheyFrederick had to access theLaw best time to escape, set out for the Continued from Page 8

Continued from Page 8in the Seaboard Slave States, Frederick n his Journey Law Olmsted relates that in Virginia, “I met a negro leading others by a ncomfortably-dressed his Journey in the Seaboard Slavethree States, Frederick rope; the first was a middle-aged man; the second a girla Law Olmsted relates that in Virginia, “I met of, perhaps, twenty; negro and theleading last a boy, comfortably-dressed threeconsiderably others by a younger. Thewas arms of all three man; were the secured before rope; the first a middle-aged second a girl them with hand-cuffs, and the rope by which they were led of, perhaps, twenty; and the last a boy, considerably passed from one to another.” younger. The arms of all three were secured before With a growing awareness of the horrors of slavery in the them with hand-cuffs, and the rope by which they were led North, over time an “Underground Railroad” was developed to passed from one to another.” aid runaway slaves in safe passage from their masters’ plantations With a growing awareness of the horrors of slavery in the to free states; after the passage of the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850, North, over timethe an chosen “Underground Railroad” was developed to Canada became destination. aid Glennette runaway slaves in safe passage from their plantations Turner of Wheaton, author ofmasters’ The Underground toRailroad free states; after the passage of the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850, in Illinois, described the horrors of Missouri slaves who Canada became the chosen destination. dared to flee bondage by crossing the border into Illinois. Glennette Turner of Wheaton, of The “Most freedom seekers who author travelled on Underground the Illinois Railroad in Illinois, described the horrors slaves who Underground Railroad had been enslavedofinMissouri Missouri,” Turner dared to flee bondage by crossing the border into Illinois. “Most freedom seekers who travelled on the Illinois Underground Railroad had been enslaved in Missouri,” Turner 60

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unknown, endure inclement weather, survive on edible plants, and attempt reach and cross River.”set out for the said. “Theyto had to access the the bestMississippi time to escape, As its name suggests, theweather, Underground unknown, endure inclement survive Railroad on edible was plants, clandestine in nature. Abolitionists were protected by freedom of and attempt to reach and cross the Mississippi River.” the As press, aiding suggests, and abetting slaves was Railroad an entirely was itsbutname thefugitive Underground different story. Under the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850, those who of clandestine in nature. Abolitionists were protected by freedom “harbored concealed” fugitive slaves could spend upantoentirely six the press,or but aiding and abetting fugitive slaves was months in prison and be fined as much as $1,000—which was different story. Under the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850, those who quite a sum of money in those days. “harbored or concealed” fugitive slaves could spend up to six months in prison and be fined as much as $1,000—which was DuPage County Connection quite a sum of money in those days. Chicago was a crucial destination on the Underground Railroad, as from there runaway slaves could use Lake Michigan DuPage County Connection and the Great Lakes waterway system to access Canada. Chicagorivers, was roads a crucial destination on theinUnderground Numerous and railways terminated Chicago, Railroad, as fromTurner there runaway slaves could formed use Lake and consequently, said, DuPage County theMichigan final and the Great Lakes waterway system to access Canada. portion of the journeys of many Missourian runaway slaves in Numerous rivers, roads and railways terminated in Chicago, Illinois. and consequently, said,ofDuPage County formed the final “The east and westTurner branches the DuPage River, old roads portion of theAve., journeys of many Missourian runaway slaves in such as Ogden and the Chicago Burlington and Quincy, Illinois. “The east and west branches of the DuPage River, old roads such as Ogden Ave., and the Chicago Burlington and Quincy,

and Chicago Galena (now the Union Pacific) railroads all passed through the county,” she said. “There was Underground Railroad activity in [present-day] Hinsdale, Glen Ellyn, Wheaton, Naperville, Lombard, Downers Grove, Lyons, West Chicago, Warrenville, Glendale Heights and Oak Brook.” Although Graue Mill and several other sites in DuPage County are reported to have been Underground Railroad stations, the only confirmed station is the Sheldon Peck Homestead in Lombard. But that does not mean the mill was not a station it just means that there is not sufficient evidence to prove that it was a station. “People are really fascinated by the idea that there was antislavery work going on here in Illinois, in DuPage County,” Goddard said. “We have no letter from Frederick Graue saying, ‘Bring those escaping slaves here to Graue Mill.’ But this is not unusual; it was illegal activity. For much of the history of the Underground Railroad, there is no primary evidence.” The theory is that blacksmith John Coe, a Fullersburg resident whose store once stood in the place of Dunkin’ Donuts, was a conductor on the Underground Railroad, and that station master Frederick Graue’s mill served as a safe house along the journey. Turner said Coe reportedly hid these freedom seekers under a tarpaulin at the bottom of his wagon, and transported them across the Des Plaines River near present-day Riverside. The mill cellar is dark, damp and inconspicuous—a brand of venue that would seem well suited for a station on the Underground Railroad. “If you look around in the basement here, it’s incredibly evocative of what it might feel like if you were an escaping slave,” Goddard said. “It’s cold, has a stone floor—it would have been noisy and wet. A place like this—which no one would think you’d want to sleep in—would be the perfect place for someone escaping.” Goddard said that the theory is grounded primarily on a “strong oral tradition.” “We have a long tradition of oral history indicating that [Graue Mill] was used as a stop,” she said. There are also two newspaper clippings from the Hinsdale Doings, extracted from the early part of the last century, which appear to corroborate the theory. In Coe’s obituary, dated Feb. 17, 1906, it is stated that: “Mr. Coe was quite prominent in the days of the Old Plank road, and during slavery days experienced some exciting adventures, his home being one of the stations on the famous underground railway.” This clipping, while strongly suggesting Coe’s involvement in the Underground Railroad, does not hint at Graue Mill being a station; that portion being inferred from the oral tradition of the connection between Coe and Graue. The second clipping, a photo caption taken from Apr. 18, 1929, states that: “[The Fuller Inn and the Fullersburg Tavern] were of especial significance since they were connected by an underground tunnel which formed a link in the ‘underground railway’ used to smuggle negroes from the slave territory in the south to the free territory in the north.” Examining the second clipping, one might think that there is overwhelming proof that such a station existed;—but remember that this was written in 1929, 64 years after the eradication of slavery. There is also no physical proof that such an “underground tunnel” exists or ever existed. We will probably never know definitively whether or not the Graue Mill cellar was actually a station along the Illinois Underground Railroad; but what is perhaps more important is that the legend has fomented a tribute to a momentous chapter

in American history right in our own backyard. Today, the Graue Mill cellar serves as a tribute to the tradition of the Underground Railroad, filled with historical artifacts and vintage reproductions. “[Graue Mill] provides a sense of place,” Turner said. “It makes visitors aware of how the role of local people, places and events fit into the larger story of the Underground Railroad. This is especially important, because the activities in this part of the country are not as well known as those further east. “Although it is situated adjacent to 21st-century traffic on York Road, visitors feel as if they have stepped back in time.” Sources: John Bach McMaster, A History of the People of the United States; Albert Bushnell Hart, Slavery & Abolition; Frederick Law Olmsted, Journey in the Seaboard Slave States. Further Reading: Ms. Turner’s book, The Underground Railroad in Illinois, is available at your local library. To read Mr. Ellis’s Inquiry into the Abolitionist Press: Its Techniques, Principles, and Effects on the Slavery Question, visit www.HinsdaleMag.com. (Article originally published by Hinsdale Magazine, February, 2013.)

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Hinsdale Magazine | Thinking Of Homes

NEW HOME OR REMODEL? UPDATE FROM A BUILDER

n this unprecedented, volatile housing market, it continues to be difficult to make the best decisions for either building or remodeling. Because so much is at stake that will be life changing, extremely expensive and time consuming to completion, you want to make the smartest best decisions. Couple those concerns with positives such as interest rates continue to be low, homes are still selling at a rapid clip, and just in the last few weeks, at last, lumber prices are dropping as mills pick up the production slack. What to do now, as we get out from under the pandemic, and we soon will be heading into 2022? What is your best direction?

Build or remodel? Among others, you can turn to real estate agents who have their finger on the pulse of what is selling now. You can turn to lenders who have insights into trends in rates. And, you can turn to builders, who are facing all these issues, and interact 62

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with all the players in the housing market. It may be smart to talk to all three types of experts in the housing market. When it comes to builders, you may want to consider Marcin Kawa, owner of MK Construction that he founded nearly two decades ago.

Here are a couple of his key observations. 1. “I try to stay on top of trends in new home construction and remodeling markets. For example, in an article by Robert Hughes, American Institute for Economic Research, June 21, quoting Refinity Datastream, let me quote you: ‘Sales of new singlefamily homes fell sharply in May, decreasing 5.9 percent to 769,000 at a seasonally-adjusted annual rate from a 817,000 pace in April. Weakness over the last few months in sales of new single-family homes is consistent with signs of slowing in the market for existing single-family homes as well. Nevertheless, sales are still up substantially vs. a year ago for both.’

In my opinion, the record high prices are a key factor in slowing sales and helping to push up inventory of both existing homes and new home construction. If you are trying to sell your singlefamily home, that means there is more competition which is reducing the rate of price increases. Those high prices have also driven some people out of the market for the time being. I see a moderation of the rush out of dense urban areas like Chicago, where we build, to the suburbs.

The slight slowing in sales is also due to the recent slight increases in mortgage rates. But some people see those rising interest rates and say maybe I need to act now.

2. I also pay very close attention to the

costs of construction. There has been a lot of talk over the past several months that the price of lumber has made new construction and remodeling so expensive that consumers and builders are holding off. However,

in just the past few weeks, believe it or not, lumber prices have started to come down. Let me quote you from an article from the New York Times, by Matthew Phillips using data from the Commerce Department, Federal Reserve notes: ‘Lumber futures surged to unprecedented heights, peaking at more than $1,600 per thousand board feet in early May. Lumber prices in the futures market, for example, are down more than 45 percent from their peak, slipping below $1,000 for the first time in months as saw mills ramp up supplies.’ In other words, supply and demand is at work at many levels. If you want to stay up with trends, I would be glad to talk with you so you can make decisions on whether to build or remodel, and when.”

“You have been cooped up with your family for last year, more than ever before, so you have gotten to know everyone a little better and vice versa. You know yourself and your significant other better. You know the kids a lot better. That means you know what interests each family member has and what they don’t like.

“Or should a dining room or dining area be the focal point? Is a lot of open space the future for a new home? Is a home office/ study area a permanent requirement, or will that space go for other activities? Is the company you work for going to allow you to still work at home. Or, will you be commuting and going back to an office? Or, is your work situation going to be a hybrid of work from home and work from the office?

“There are a lot of other decisions. What kinds of cabinets, flooring, roofing, appliances, fixtures, landscaping, on and on. Then there are the inevitable “hidden costs” unless you have planned exceedingly well.”

Here again, from Marcin, are some of the practical pros and cons of building a new home vs. remodeling.

The Pros of a New Home There are several reasons people choose when it comes to building a new home. “First, and foremost: Appropriate customization. This assumes you have thoroughly thought through your potential future for the next 20 to 30 years, beyond the last unusual 12 months.”

- MARCIN KAWA, Founder and Owner, MK Construction & Builders

We all know how important the kitchen is in most homes. How important has the kitchen been the last 12 months? Has it become the nerve center for the family, where the meal making takes place as well as meal eating takes place? Is it a study center? When things get back to ‘normal’, will family members still want to get together as much in a central place like a kitchen?”

How about your bedrooms? Is there a great desire to have not only a great bedroom suite but also a spa/ bath where you can get away and luxuriate? Separate bath for the kids? Study areas in bedrooms for the kids? Is it a family room? Or is it a tv/tv games room? Or a workout room? Or all three?. Or do you need separate rooms?”

“How about not so mundane factors such as lighting and windows and landscaping? Do you like to have the outside view of a beautiful backyard, or do you want more privacy? Do you want both?” “Are you big into outdoor play and entertaining, inside and around the home? What kind and what size patio would you like to have in the future? How important is “grilling” to you? How about the location of outdoor entertaining relative to the kitchen? How about the garage? Besides the cars, has it become the mud room, back-pack room, and outdoor

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Hinsdale Magazine | Thinking Of Homes

play equipment room? Should it?” “The last 12 months have been a stress test, not only for the family, but the home you are living in. You’ve learned a lot about your home and how it has survived … or not. This not only includes the home itself, but all your furnishings and appliances. How have they performed? It is all part of an experience you can use to your advantage in thinking through your customization for a new home. Now you know better which appliances to buy.” “Obviously, those who want new vs. remodel have concluded that new is the better answer.” “Besides newer, more energy-efficient appliances, there will be newer, better materials for flooring, cabinets, more modern fixtures and furnishings, and decorating schemes, just to your liking because you are installing just what you like.” To sum it up, there is real excitement and expectation that comes with new and better! And last, but not least, you can cross house tours and the stress for competing for a home, off your list.

How About The Cons of New Construction? “First of all, when you decide on a new home, statistics from the Census Bureau 64

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and the National Association of Home Builders indicates that the sales cost of a new home vs. an existing home will continue to be tens of thousands of dollars more. That just makes sense, if only from the standpoint that new housing is using materials that cost more than when existing homes were built. “Not only that, National Association of Home Builders statistics indicate the physical construction of a new home can take an average of 7 months from start to finish, and that doesn’t include planning and approval stages. That length of time could also involve arrangements in selling where you currently live, and the potential of having to rent.” “In addition, you might not have the “wiggle room” to negotiate on price on a new home vs. an existing home. On top of all that, there is the continual inconvenience of visiting and revisiting a home in progress…not always the neatest experience. And there are lots of decisions to be made along the way. Where to find a lot…which is becoming scarcer and scarcer here is the western suburbs, in a location you like. Then there is actual design of the home. What square footage will you need for the next 20-30 years and will you be able to afford it? Or do you plan for the future, in stages?” “There are a lot of other decisions. What kinds of cabinets, flooring, roofing, appliances, fixtures, landscaping, on

and on. Then there are the inevitable “hidden costs” unless you have planned exceedingly well.” “Do you know or can you get referrals for a designer, architect? How about a lender? Do you know a realtor you can trust?” “Then there is finding a builder you can trust. MK Construction and Builders is renowned for building excellent housing and is recommended by architects and designers.” “We pride ourselves in providing the finest construction techniques and the finest building materials, no matter the project. We also pride ourselves in our willingness to listen closely to our customers and then work with them to realize their dreams. We are very price competitive on a comparable basis. Please go to our website to see the testimonials.” “We also always have spec homes where customers can actually see some of our homes for the quality of design, construction and materials.” Marcin concludes, “Of course, in the end, you decide on whether to build a new home or remodel. Don’t let anyone talk you into something you don’t really want.” For more, please go to mkconstructioninc. net or call 773-817-1861. ■

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