Cary Me Back (PDF)

H. R. STEW ART INC. James Stewart was born in Scotland in 1865, his wife Cora Belle Lowe was horn in Algonquin, Illinois. They moved to Cary around 1890. Seven children were born of this union. James was a farmer and worked several farms around this area. At one time he owned the old Ross farm, located at 27 E. Main Street (now the Cary Animal Clinic). Another farm he owned was about 2 miles out, on E. Main Street, which he sold to Mr. String ( Carl Sands farm) in 1926. He worked the old Weaver farm at 406 First Street (now the home of Bob and Audree Wagner) and owned the Thunderbird farm at Three Oaks Road and Route 14. September 1917, James ran the Ross farm and Cora Belle operated an ice cream parlor and restaurant ( Peter's Bakery, 117 W. Main Street) but had to close the business because it was too hard to get supplies during WWI. In 1927, the family moved into the Village at 536 W. Main Street. In 1930, James Stewart purchased the hardware business at 18 Spring Street from L. H. Grebe. Mr. Stewart's son, Howard joined him taking over the plumbing and heating part of the business. As the business grew more room was needed; in 1939, the Newbold Livery building (52 Crystal Street) was rented, where the business continued until 1946. In 1944, William J. Neilson and Howard Stewart formed a partnership in the business at 52 Crystal Street; the business became known as Stewart & Neilson Inc. In 1946, H. R. Stewart purchased the land and built the buildings at 19 and 27 Jandus Road, and moved the hardware business to that location. James Stewart died in December 1953, almost 88 years of age. In 1952-53, the hardware business was sold to Frank Snell. At this same time the heating & plumbing business office moved to 124 E. Main Street, the home of Howard Stewart. The equipment for the business was kept in the Zogus barn on Three Oaks Road. The business became known as H. R. Stewart Inc. In 1953, Stewart built the buildings at 15 and 17 Jandus Road moving his office to 15 Jandus Road (Brykowski 0. D. ). The Cary Post Office moved into the 17 Jandus Road building ( Cary Video Depot). In 1962, the Post Office moved into the building at 27 Jandus Road, where they stayed until the new Post Office was built on Three Oaks Road in 1992. Stewart purchased the old Newbold Livery building at 52 Crystal Street in 1966 and moved the H. R. Stewart Inc. business to that location. Howard was at one time a fireman on an engine, for the Chicago Northwestern Railroad. He also worked as an electrician for his brother Ronald for 7 or 8 years, and he served two years in the Marines in the early 1920's. He married Orma Kerns; four children were horn of this union. After Howard's death in 1968, his son Allan took over the business and still runs it at the same location. James Stewart, son of Allan and June Ocenasek Stewart, joined the business in 1980, making this the fourth generation of the H. R. Stewart Inc. Howard was the 17th president of the Village of Cary. H. R. Stewart Inc. has been in business in Cary 63 years. ❖ EL· ab th H I:' zz e . r reeman 93

r • CARY SANITARY DAIRY The land where the Cary Sanitary Dairy is located, 20 First Street, was part of the parcel of land purchased in 1843 by William Dennison Cary. After the death of William Cary in 1861, Cary's land was sold at auction to 94 pay off his debts. The acreage was then purchased by Guy Frary, son of Alonzo Frary, and thereafter known as the Frary farm. Guy Frary died in 1916. After his death, the property was sold to Stanley and Bill Wallace. The Wallace Brothers rented the buildings out. Around 1920, one small barn building was rented to Herman Fulde, who with a partner Charles Klusman, opened a feed and grain store. Herman lived with his mother Louise at 121 Cary Street. About 1924, Herman married Sarah Bainbridge (her father George was the first gardener at the Hertz estate), moved to Crystal Lake and operated the Crystal Lake Lumber and Coal Co. A man named Dunbar operated a dairy farm at the south edge of town, 272 Spring Street. Ellis and Dora Jecks purchased the distribution rights from the Dunbars in 1924 and opened the Cary Sanitary Dairy in the Frary farm building that Herman Fulde had just vacated. Willard T. J eeks, son of Ellis and Dora, said that before 1924, milk was delivered raw from house to house with a dipper. The Cary Sanitary Dairy delivered raw milk as Dunbar did for awhile, using a horse drawn milk-wagon. They put in their own bottle-washers and pasteurization equipment and started delivering by truck in 1927. Willard remembers his older brother Lyle, who let him drive the truck when Willard was nine years old, 1927-28. Even with the introduction of pasteurization, Ellis Jecks purchased eight gallon cans of raw Golden Guernsey milk from a local farmer for local delivery in Jecks Dairy bottles. Later the dairy began buying pasteurized milk from Bowman Dairy of Crystal Lake, then gave up bottling entirely. In 1940, the Dairy was sold to Ed voboda, one of their drivers and a local man. The Jecks family moved to Decatur, Illinois to operate a grocery store and meat market. In 1947, the Dairy was sold to the Brownell family, whose continues to run it as of _......,.......:..;._ _ _,,. _ _,.. _ _;.__---1. ____ _, this date. Hoppy Wirsing, one of Cary Sanitary Dairy's delivery men (retired) recalled at one time he had 450 stops, but it had come to 80-90 retail stops. Bob Brownell says that in 1967, they had eight milk trucks to handle home deliveries, which made up 99 percent of the Dairy business, now it is only about five percent. 1924 Center secti.on is original building of the Frary farm. On left is a small shed movedf,orn the farm and attached to the dairy. Right side built neU'.

b So, the dairy delivery business has changed, from each home putting their milk bucket out on the front stoop and having it filled by dipper, to purchasing milk at the local grocery or convenience store. It looks like the days of home milk delivery in Cary are gone forever. ❖ Elizabeth H Freeman CARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETINGS 1894 6/ 13/ 1894: Moved and Carried: Ordinance ordering a walk to reach Wulff & Kerns Store to connect A. L. Weaver walk. 7/ 3/ 1894: Approve Railway walk and Dennis Dunn Jr. walk. 7/ 24/1894: Asked for resignation of A. W. Mink as Streets Commissioner, Lamp Lighter and Marshall be accepted. Appointed Dan W. Cary. 8/ 4/ 1894: Moved and Carried: M. B. Weaver be given the contract of graveling the street in front of Leonard's Saloon at 18~ per yard. Moved and Carried: Lay bill of H. B. Shepard on table until next meeeting. Moved and Carried to accept the Constable and Street Commissioners Bond for D. W. Cary. Moved and Accepted to accept bill from D. W. Cary of $5.00 for lighting street lamps - ½ month. 8/7/ 1894: Install sidewalk from Abbott's Shop to connect with walk on Main St. Marshall instructed to build a walk from Sprague Shop to the post office. 9/ 4/ 1894: Moved and Carried to place 400 loads of gravel in the highway South of Abbott's Barber Shop. Following bills read and approved to be paid: D. W. Cary - Services 8/ 8-9/ 1 $26.00 . Kerns - Oil 14.75 ❖ CARY DAIRY INC. - 1923 95

NEWBOW LIVERY STABLE AND GARAGE Before 1900, four brothers-Harry, Fred, George and Charles ewbold operated a livery stable at 52 Crystal Street now the location of H. R. Stewart Inc. The building was made of wood and was much smaller. The brothers also owned a farm out on East Three Oaks Road where the horses were stabled and cared for. They had a very good business as the railroad depot was in Cary and anyone wanting to go to Fox River Grove or to a summer cottage on the river either had to walk there or hire ewbolds Livery. You could rent a horse to ride, a horse and carriage, or be driven. 96 Edward Newbold, son of Harry Newbold, remembers his Dad telling him that when the brothers purchased the Livery Barn, an old jail was attached to the side and back of it. It was very small and very crude. The ewbolds wanted to rebuild and enlarge the Livery Barn, but to do that they had to purchase about 15-20 feet of land from Peter Rasmussen, the blacksmith next door to them. On this 15-20 feet, the Kiltz wagon ramp going to the second floor was located. The wooden building was removed or demolished and the present brick building built. Frank (Hank) Kotlaba remembers that when he was about 6 years old his mother, Mrs. James Kotlaba and Mrs. Frank Ocenasek ( mother of Ed Ocenasek) rented a horse and buggy from the ewbold Bros. Livery about once a year before school started. The women would drive to Dundee, Illinois 1900 ewbold Livery Barn Next to Peter Rasmussen Blacksmith. Newbold's purchased the piece of land the ramp is on so they could enlarge their building • 52 Crystal t. to buy school clothes for the children. (The Wium.General Store in Cary had a very limited clothing section.) Frank says the mothers were sure to buy the clothes large enough so the kids would not outgrow them before the end of the school year. The women would leave home about 9 AM and return home about 3 PM. As it was about a two hour drive each way, out of the 6 hours, 4 were spent on the road. By 1919, the livery business was getting competition from the automobile, the ewbolds gave a three year lease for the business to Herman Zaeske, who hired Otto chultz to run the business. In ovember 1920, the ewbold Brothers sold the busines and the building to Charles Frisch Jr., William Frisch and Harry E. peller, a brother-in-law. The new business became known a Frisch Bros. Garage. Along with repair work on automobiles, Frisch Brother Garage old Ford cars. They also started the first school bus going to the Crystal Lake High chool from September 1922 until June 1924. Fred Kling was the driver of the school bus. By 1927, the Frisch Garage sold to Vernon tewart and tanley Pichen. The name changed to Cary Motor Company. tewart sold his part of the business to Pichen, who continued running the business until 1933.

Rudolph Petzelt purchased the building and ran a small machine shop; Byron (Speed) Kerns worked for him. In 1962, the building was sold to H. R. Stewart Inc. for their heating and plumbing business, the business at the present time being operated by Allan Stewart, the son of Howard. ❖ Elizabeth H Freeman W. SMITH CARTAGE CO. INC. Seventy plus years and third generation of trucking for W. Smith Cartage, Inc., presently located and operating on Sands Road in Crystal Lake, Illinois. ometime around the year 1859, the United States Government granted a 60 acre parcel of land ( at 2709-2723 Crystal Lake Road) to William Hitchcock and his wife to farm. They raised two daughters, Nellie and Clara. In the year of 1914, Clara married Frank Smith and moved on the homestead. Along with farming, he bought and sold calves for slaughter, and hauled them to packing hou es in Chicago. On July 31, 1895, a son Charles W. Smith was born. They continued to farm for these years, while Charles was growing up. World War I started and Charles served with the U.S. Army Cactus Balloon Division in Texas. After returning from the Army, he married Anna Koch on June 26, 1920, and they conlined to live on the homestead. Along with his father, they continued the calf buying and trucking them to Chicago in a Model T Ford truck, one or two al a time. In 1929, he bought a Model A Ford truck, which wa much larger and could carry at lea t 4 calves at a time to the stockyards in Chicago. In 1932, he bought hi first truck large enough to haul several more cattle and on the return, would pick up other materials such as, limestone, feeds and coal for cu ·tomers in the area. I, Willard D. mith, wa born on August 20, 1923 in Crystal Lake, IL. I attended 8 year of grade school at the ilver Lake Country School. This is now Rez Country tore near Cary. I graduated from Crystal Lake High School in 1942 and wa drafted into the Army during World War II. I served four year in the Army, three years of which I served overseas in the European theater of the war. After returning from the Army in 1946, I went into the trucking business with my father, hauling cattle, freight, feeds and farm supplies in and out of the Chicago area. We started out with 2 trucks, a semi-tractor and 2 trailer . In December of 1947, I married my wife Virgene, and continued trucking and adding more equipment, to haul sand, gravel, gas and oil to local area businesses. On October 5, 1957, my father passed away. I continued the trucking business and the company doubled in size, outgrowing the terminal on the old homestead on Crystal Lake Road. In 1979, I purchased five acres of land on Sands Road in Crystal Lake and constructed a new truck terminal. Presently, the company has 45 employees and a fleet of equipment, consisting of about thirty power units and eighty semitrailers of various kinds. ince 1970, and pre ently, five of the Smith children are involved in the trucking firm. Anna Koch mith and the Willard Smith family still reside in their homes on the old homestead at 2709-2723 Crystal Lake Road, Cary. After 79 years in busine , the mith family is still "trucking along". ❖ Willard D. Smith 97

FRISCH BROfHERS NORTHERN ILLINOIS BUSINESS SERVICE NIBS INSURANCE AGENCY INC. After World War II, Ben Frisch was involved in a business partnership doing accounting and tax work in Detroit, Michigan. Charles Frisch, the next oldest brother, was working in Chicago as treasurer for a large electrical contractor. Ben and Charles felt that an accounting and tax service was a business that Cary needed and started the wheels in motion to fund Cary's newest business, orthern Illinois Business Service. In the fall of 1946, they rented an office area from John Petriak on 18 Spring Street, occupying an area of 10' X 40'. About a year later, another brother Bob, joined the firm as an accountant, and the services offered included insurance. Still later; 1950, another brother Jim, joined the firm after his graduation from college. Brother Bob was offered an exciting job and left the firm in 1952. He became an accountant for the Northwood Fur Farm, owned by Otto Grosse. Bob eventually became President of Northwood. Bob died in 1983. Built 1892 Built by Luna E. Mentch Purchased by John D. Hertz 1945. Purchased NIBS Insurance 1983. 226 W. Main treet. As the business prospered, more space was needed and a move was made to 118 W. Main Street, the site of the old Cary Post Office building. The business operated from that location until the Suburban Bank of Cary Grove required more space and the business was required to find a new home. uburban Bank of Cary Grove purchased the old Post Office from Alvan H. Collins, it was demolished to make room for the bank to enlarge their quarters. 98 IB Insurance moved their business to the Cary Towers Building on 204 pring treet. It wa also at this time that orthern Illinoi Bu ine ervice purcha ed the John Theobald Insurance Agency. IB continued to operate at 204 pring treet until 1983 wh n the building at 226 Main Street wa purcha ed and the bu ine moved for the fourth time. During 1984, IB pure ha ed the V ravey In urance Agency of Fox Ri vcr Grove, then in 1985, purcha ed the Mentch Insurance Agency. Charle retired and moved to Arizona. Ben Frisch retired and moved to Tue on, Arizona in 1987. As of this writing, the only brother left in the busine s i Jim. Because the insurance industry requires "BIG E ", it became nece ary for 1B to become involved in a consortium of agencie with location in Cary, Crystal Lake, McHenry and Woodstock. The bu ines continues to flouri h and should enjoy an excellent future. ❖ James Frisch

1910 Kerns & Smith - 101 W Main Abbott Barber Slwp - 103 W Main Abbott Pool Hall - 105 W Main James Nish Swre - 111 W Main Swartz Barber Shop/ Ice Cream Parwr - 117 W Main Telephone Switchboard - 117 W Main Cary Exchange Bank-121 W Main 99

MEYER'S DRUG STORE 77 W. Main Street It was known as Meyer's Drug Store for 72 years. Several different people operated the store but it was always Meyer's Drug tore. Even today, many old timers still call it the old Meyer's Drug Store building. It was built about 1890 when the dirt roads, wood sidewalks and gas lights were still with us. It was part of the land that William Dennison Cary purchased from the United States Government in 1843, and is located in the original plat of Cary Station. Two brothers, Dr. Beck and his brother, Mr. Beck, owned the pharmacy and the Doctor' practice in Cary tation. In 1909, Dr. Frank Theobald wanted to buy the practice of Dr. Beck, but the deal offered wa the Doctor's practice and the pharmacy must be sold together. o Dr. Theobald purcha ed both. 100 1915 Meyer's Drug tore• Walter Meyer 77 W. Main treet As Dr. Theobald was not a pharmaci ·t, he did not want the drug tore. In 1912, he hired E. Walter Meyer, of De Plaine , lllinoi to work for him in the drug store. Thing worked out ·o well, Walter Meyer purcha ed the pharmacy ovember 1914. He remodeled, enlarged and modernized the building and it became known as Meyer' Drug tore. October 1920, Walter Meyer purcha ed the corner property from Mr . Helen prague, and in October 1924, a brick exterior wa added. The drug tore had an ice cream and oda fountain aero the rear of the tore with bar tool in front of the counter. At one time it al o had a few tables and chair in front of the counter for cu tomer to use. It wa a meeting place for young people, and in ummer many of the older folk walked to town for ice cream. round 1956 the ice cream busines faded away. In 1918, Walter Meyer hired Harry T. Graham, a pharmaci t and the father of Lloyd Graham and Ileene Graham Harper. Harry worked at the store until 1951 when he retired becau e of ill health.

There was a side door on Depot Street ( Spring Street) that led into the back of the store and into the stairs for the upstairs apartments. 1934-35, Stanley Freeman was walking from Freeman's Garage up to the durg store. As he neared the door, a man coming out the door asked him to hold the door open for him. As Stanley did so, the man pulled a gun and told him to get inside the store and lay down on the floor. He had walked right into a robbery. Harry Graham and Harry Suchy were already on the floor and Freeman lay down right next to them. As the robbers filled up a bag with pens, watches, camera and other small items they were scared away when someone started to come in through the side door - the robbers ran out the front door. The sheriff was called, but the robbers were never caught. It was a scary experience for the three men. Walter Meyer was very active in the community besides running the drug store. He was one of the original investors and Charter Member of the Cary Country Club, a member of the school board, cashier of the Cary State Bank in 1918, and later became president of the Bank in 1945 until his death in 1954. He served 21 years on the Crystal Lake Community High School board; he wa a member of the Lions Club and the Masons. Walter loved music. He 1917 Oatman Milk Facwry, Louis Jelinek Buffet, Meyer Drug Swre, 0. Nordby Home, Freeman Garage. belonged to a local quartette and played the slide trombone in Cary's Marching Band. Rather than march, more often than not, the band rode on top of a flat bed wagon. At the lime of Walter's death, Dave Kades was working for him and continued to run the busine s until 1956 when he purchased it from Fern Meyer, widow of Walter. Mrs. Meyer retained ownership of the building itself. A young pharmacist named Merlin Hartlett worked for Walter Meyer. He invented a deodorant called 'DRI' in the drug store basement. He had a good little bu ine s going, then sold it to some larger concern. It was packaged in a small white jar with a black top and label. It was good. continued next page 101

\, 102 In 1969, Dave Kades sold the drug business to Robert Wheeler. Wheeler sold it to Don Clark. When Don Clark retired in 1986, Meyer's Drugs was no more. After 72 years, it became 'Hart Camera'. Hart Camera discontinued their business and in August 1989, Marge Wirth and Ruth Boehmer, daughters of Walter and Fern Meyer, sold the building to D. C. Versman Inc. After doing a complete remodeling job, Versman Inc. moved into the building in 1990, making it their headquarters. How fortunate Cary is to have people interested in preserving the landmarks of our town. ❖ ,; ► ~~~,. 1900 Crystal t. • Rte. 14 Elizabeth H Freeman Ra.smussen Blacksmith, Kilt:: Wagon hop upstairs, ewbold Lfrery, El.sner's Store, Abbott Pool Hall, Tony Jensen Hotel. Route 14 Business Block

1920 Lou Grebe Hardware - 18 Spring St. Now Petriak Antiques 1900's Main Street, Cary COMMUNICATIONS DESIGN INC. - 1986 103

DEPOSITS AND WITHDRAWALS When we think of money, we think of banks, and how we can get some money to put in the banks. Banks did not exist until the Civil War. When we tell about hiding money under the mattress, or digging a hole to bury it, it's not so funny, because that's probably what people did. The first bank to come to Cary, in 1900, was a private exchange bank run by Luna Mentch. It was started in a two-story wooden building built by Mentch in 1887 at 121 W. Main Street. This was a branch of the McHenry County State Bank of Woodstock, Illinois. When the banking institutions came under State law in 1914, making private banks illegal, Mentch sold the exchange bank to the Cary State Bank. The Cary State Bank was a small bank, usually two or three persons working the windows and doing all the other business required to run a bank. The Cashier was in charge, with the help of two girls. These three people did the bookkeeping, safe deposit boxes, loan , deposits, withdrawals and any other transaction that came into the bank. Carl W. Stenger of McHenry, Illinois helped organize the Cary tate Bank. He was the Cashier and then President of the McHenry tate Bank. He became Vice President and Director of the new Cary tate Bank. His brother, Joseph A. Stenger who resided in the Freeman Hotel, was Cashier of the Cary State Bank 1921-1926. In 1923, Joe was al o involved in organizing the Cary Country Club. Around 1927, the second story of the building was removed, making it into a one-story brick building. The Cary tate Bank was issued its Charter April 3, 1914, the first day of business was April 10, 1914. The first President was Theodore H. Wulff, 1914-1922. Other directors were: Carl W. Stenger, . B. Kerns, M. B. Weaver and E. L. Wagner. at Kerns was a member of the board until his death in 1945. Presidents of the the Cary State Bank were: Charles T. Allen, 1922-1936; athaniel B. Kerns, 1936-1945; E. Walter Meyer, 1945-1954; C. Russell Allen, 1954-1967; Alvan H. Collins, 1967-1971; Leonard Donald DeRaedt, 1971-1977. Alvan H. Collins resided in Cary until his death December 24, 1991 at age 91 years. Collins came to the Bank in 1938 as a Cashier, working with Ileene Graham Harper and Elizabeth Harper Freeman. He retired in 1971. His son, Mike, is in Real Estate with Century 21. In 1929, the Cary tate Bank hit hard times, like all banking institutions. "THE DEPRESSIO ". Banks were closing all over the country. Following is part of a letter sent to John D. Hertz by his advisor, Alton . Huttel, in regard to the closing of the Cary tate Bank. "4/ 24/ 1933: So far they have pledges of approximately 9,000 as follows: From the Directors, Kerns $1,500, Wascher 1,500, Jecks 1,500, and Allen 1,500. From you 1,500. From Walter Meyer $500. This amount is being borrowed from the Borden Ice Cream Co. on an agreement to repay on the basis of 2 cent per gallon on ice cream bought. From Mrs. Wulff 500. he i the wife of a former president of the bank and owns ten shares of stock. he would rather make payment in this way than face a 100°0 a sessment if the stock should fail to open. They al o have promi es of several 104 SUBURBAN BANK OF CARY-GROVE-1914

$50 and $100 payments from stockholders on the same basis as from Mrs. Wulff, which brings the total to about $9,000. "With the single exception of the bond account, both Judge Allen and Mr. Meyer feel quite confident, that if they can raise the additional money required to secure the permit to open, they can work out the proposition without any great ultimate loss. On the set-up proposed, the depositors would have to wait on the recovery of the bond market, as on the auditors plan, the present bond loss is used as an off-set against the waivers. "We have a big investment in this community, and I believe it would be a better proposition for us in many ways if you were to increase your pledge and help the men we know to be our friends, than to face the worry and troubles we are bound to have, should the bank be forced to liquidate." John D. Hertz did increase his pledge. "But no one person was responsible for saving the bank", Ileene Graham Harper says, " it took all the contriputions and pledges of the people to make it possible. This included stockholders, the people who had money in the bank and signed waivers, and the directors". The two clerks who took turns working alternate weeks for $7 .50 per week, working on the waivers and any other business that was necessary, did their part also. They were Olive Kerns Dianis and Ileene Graham Harper. Cary State Bank was one of the first to reopen in McHenry County. continued next page 1887 Owner • Luna F Mentch Dr. Maha • above 105

106 The bank had one other serious incident happen on October 27, 1934. They had an armed robbery. Walter Meyer, the Cashier, and Ileene Graham Harper were working in the bank, and the Chief of Police-James Parsley, happened to walk into the bank as the robbery was going on. They were ordered to lie down on the floor. Meyer opened the vault, and the robbers escaped with around $3,500. The robbers were never caught. The Cary State Bank was in need of new quarters. One lot directly across the street from the bank, 122 W. Main, was purchased from Alvan H. Collins. The new building proceeded and in 1957 the Cary State Bank moved into their new quarters. Directors at that time were: C. Russell Allen, President; Alvan H. Collins, V. P.; Howard R. Stewart, V. P.; John C. Theobald and Anton Opatrny. 1927-28 CA.RY STATE BANK 121 W Main St. Now off ices. In 1979, the Cary State Bank was sold to a Palatine Group and became known as the Suburban Bank of Cary-Grove. Edward Leahy was Vice President. The Palatine Group also purchased the old Post Office Building from A. H. Collins. In 1981, Mr. Francis Cantini became President of the Suburban Bank of Cary-Grove. To enlarge their bank, the old Post Office building was demolished, and the bank was extended to the east, which more than doubled its size. The Suburban Bank of Cary-Grove opened a branch bank in Fox River Grove on October 8, 1979, and a drive-in bank at 5411 Rt. 31 in 1986, and in 1988, purchased the property at 125 W. Main Street to be used for parking, if needed, in the future. The Village of Cary owned the property west, and next to, the Suburban Bank of Cary-Grove. The Bank owned the property in back, and to the north, of the bank up to the railroad. More space was needed for the commuters using the railroad to park. A switch was made between the Village and the Bank, thereby, giving the Village and the Bank their much needed parking space.

The two lots on which the Suburban Banlc of of Cary-Grove is built were originally part of William D. Cary's plat of Cary Station. Mary Hrdlicka owned the empty lot and the post office builiding. She was the postmistress. In 1932, Joe Kvidera became postmaster. Hrdlicka sold the lot and the post office building to him. Before 1950, Joe K videra sold the two parcels to Alvan H. Collins. FIRST SECURITY BANK OF CARY GROVE: A second bank came to Cary, November 1971. President was Val J. Budd Jr. Board Members were: Vernon Roesch, Val J. Budd Jr., Raymond Spaeth, William T. Giova, Frank Fruhauff, Paul Higdon, Dr. Willard W. Leonard, John H. Curran, Kenneth Block and the Secretary, Kenneth A. Crow. In December 1986, First Security Bank of Cary-Grove was purchased by First Northbrook Bancorp, Inc. which is a holding company for the First National Bank of Northbrook. Directors and officers as ofJanuary 1991: President, Richard E. Ward. Board Members: John Hunt, Carol Pumphrey-Kenney, Robert Burgland, Robert Gorski and Richard E. Ward. Officers: Richard E. Ward, President; Edwin Connelly III, V. P.; David A. Burg, V. P.; Debra K. Galli, V. P.; Catherine A. Lehar, Branch Mgr. & Cashier; Margaret I. Wild, Asst. Cashier; and J. Lynn Grap, Consumer Loan Officer. April 13, 1991, the branch bank of First Security Bank held their grand opening, located at Three Oaks Road and Route 14. In 1980, the Marengo Federal Savings and Loan Association came to Cary. They located at 60 Northwest Highway. They bought out the Cary Grove Savings and Loan, which was a drive-up, and not long in Cary. In the fall of 1989, the name of Marengo S & L was changed to the Northern Federal Savings Bank. In January of 1990, they moved into their new quarters 300 Northwest Highway, located in Cary Corners Shopping Center. Directors 1991: James Murphy, President; Vice-Presidents: Tim Emerson, Christine Gordon, Karen Wascher, Ursula Wilson: James Dolezal, Treasurer; Ronald Huber, Secretary. December 1991, the 66-year old McHenry County financial institution was bought out and became a division of Deerfield Federal Savings & Loan Association. orthern Federal has kept its same name and all its present officers. ❖ Elizabeth H Freeman FIRST SECURITY BANK OF CARY-GROVE - 1971

108 Kem 's Grocery Store Clara Lenz 1926 • West Main t. Old. Post Office, Ben Magnuson, Barber, Suburban Electric, rear of barber slwp, Allen build.ing now "The Tracks ". NORTHERN FEDERAL SAVINGS BANK - 1973

GET TRIMMED HERE Anyone coming back to the Village of Cary after 15-20 years absence would not recognize the Village. The changes have been enormous. There is one place though they would know immediately, the Cary Barber Shop, at 114 W. Main Street. The building is over 100 years old. This building is located in what was the original plat of Cary Station. It was not always a barber shop. In 1923 Ronald Stewart started a business which developed into the Suburban Electric Co. Robert Allen at one time raised chinchilla. For the most part it was a barber shop. Mr. Ben Magnuson ran the barber shop here around 1918 and according to the Crystal Lake Herald June 1923, Ben Magnuson's shop was burglarized. He later took a job as barber in the Chicago Northwestern Depot in Chicago. George Sieburg took over the business in Cary. The present barbers; Vic Boran, Ross Terisi and Gene Rossman purchased the business about 1953 from George Sieburg and Matt Mayer. The red, white and blue barber pole still keeps spinning in front of the shop. It is a rare sight. Gus Kraus remembers back around 1899 his Uncle Harry Swartz having a barber shop located at about 16 Spring Street ( today that property is a continued next page 1900 Abbott's Barber Shop 40 Crystal Street. Business later moved to 103 W. Main. ote Laundry sign. 109

parking lot for the apartments and offices located there). Sometime later he moved the shop to 117 W. Main Street now the location of Peter's Bakery. November 3, 1910 a barber shop opened in the Tony Jensen building, H. M. Childs being the new barber. Childs rented the Frary house at 10 W. Main Street. In 1916 Childs moved his barber shop to the Ben Frary building at 117 W. Main Street. He retired in 1917 selling the business to 0. Stengl who ran the pool hall in Tony Jensen's building. In 1919 Childs bought out the barber shop of Alex Mungerson, location unknown. Fred M. Abbott had a barber shop at 40 Crystal Street, later moving the business to 103 W. Main Street. Fred also operated a pool hall at 105 W. Main Street. He was our 11th President of Cary. The barber shops were one of the important meeting places in town for the local men. For the short time the barbers stayed in business it's not sure how much hair cutting was done but there was many a good story told. ❖ Elizabeth H. Freeman 1908 Over 100 years old Cary Barber Shop 114 W. Main t. Railroad Street ( now Crystal treet), Cary, Ill. T. CERELLE'S HAIR SALO - 1989 ...I

NORTHWOOD FUR FARM Otto H. Grosse was recognized as one of the leading producers of luxury furs. He was named "Fur Man of the Year" in 1958. Grosse started in the fox fur business in Algonquin with a brother-in-law. In 1936 they split up and Otto Grosse came to Cary where he started his own business and at that time added mink to the business. By the mid 1950's the mink fur became much more profitable than the fox fur, so Grosse began to fade out the fox. Grosse started out with 5 or 6 employees. Leo Mroczenski worked for the farm for 50 years. He retired in May 1990. He has many stori~s to tell. Mink take a lot of care, they are susceptible to distemper, anuresis and food poisoning. Food poisoning can wipe them out in a couple of days. In 1944 it did just that. The mink were at that time enclosed in outside field pens. After this happened the mink were moved inside to enclosed sheds. Since 1944 there has been a great improvement in medical care for the mink which has helped prevent this from happening again. Another crisis hit the farm in 1951. An explosion rocked the farm, destroying offices, apartments and equipment. Grosse rebuilt and by 1959 the farm spread over 600 acres and had 100,000 mink pens. Eventually the farm contained 1,000 acres. Leo says, "mink look cute and cuddly, but that is deceiving. They can be vicious animals." The farm sold breeding stock to other producers, but kept the best breeders for their own use. Grosse died in November 1962, leaving his wife Edna, a daughter, Geraldine L. Meiners and a son, Howard. Otto Grosse served his community well. He was a member of the Cary School Board, helped form the Cary Fire Protection District, a member of the Cary Lions Club and a supporter of the Cary Youth Baseball. He donated cashmere sweaters, mink collars and several mink stoles to organizations in Cary so they could raise money to help their activities. The Northwood snowplows helped remove snow from the village streets. continued next page 1928 Otto Grosse Mink Ranch, 1219 Crystal Lake Road. Started with fox 1928, started with mink 1936. Closed 1991. 111

112 After the death of Otto Grosse, the farm became a corporate-owned entity. Cudahy Co., a division of the Milk Specialities Co. of Wisconsin. In August 1977, National Northwood Inc. was sold to a private party and continued to be a leader in the mink industry under the management of Tony and Bill Rietveld. During those years the yield per female increased from four kits per female to six. The quality of the final product increased dramatically by scientific feeding methods. orthwood furs are a renowned item throughout the trade. In 1988, orthwood was the host of the 4th International Scientific Congress in Fur Animal Production. 160 participants from all continents attended this Congress. The worldwide recession and overproduction in the late eighties caused serious problems in the marketplace. It is therefore that management decided in 1991 to discontinue operations in Cary and move to an area where production costs are significantly lower. ❖ Elizabeth Harper Freeman Otw Grosse Luncheon at orthwood Fur Famu. 4th International cientific Congress in Fur Animal Production.

L 18 Spring Street PETRIAK'S ANTIQUES William Dennison Cary purchased this land from the U. S. Government in 1843 and it was included in the original plat of Cary Station. After William Cary's death, the land was auctioned off and purchased by the Guy Frary family. The building was built in 1861, the builder is unknown. The building was later purchased by Stanley and Ed Wallace (brothers) who rented it to L. H. Grebe, around 1920. Lou Grebe operated a hardware store. His deliveries were made by horse and wagon. There was a barn in the back yard for his horse named "Bonnie". He had a motto "Grebe Pays the Freight". Paul Wium purchased the building from the Wallace Brothers and rented it out to other businesses. James Stewart and his son Howard Stewart, also ran a hardware store there, with Howard doing heating and plumbing. As the heating and plumbing business grew, larger quarters were needed. A Mr. Gundersen had a furniture refinishing and repair shop. He moved out and went into business with another man. In 1946 Paul Wium sold the property to John and Helen Petriak, who till own it and live upstairs. The downstairs became Petriak's Antiques. In 1946 after WWII, the Frisch Brothers (Ben, Charles and Jim) started their insurance business in the small section of the building, on the north ide. ❖ Built 1861 Petriak's Antiques Elizabeth H. Freeman 113

SEAQUIST MANUFACTURING One of Cary's oldest and largest manufacturing companies started business in 1946 in a garage at Hickory Nut Grove Subdivision. Founders of the company were els Werner Seaquist of Crystal Lake, and Axel Werner Carlson of Cary. Both men were tool and die makers for the Oak Manufacturing Company in Crystal Lake, Illinois. They formed the company using their middle name Werner. In Axel Carlson's garage Werner Die and Stamping Company came into being. By fall they had to find heated quarters for the business, thereby renting the second story of the Freeman's Garage at 19-25 Spring Street. It was here in 1947 that the first assembly line was constructed for the aerosol valves used by the Continental Can Co. of Chicago. They also made components for Motorola and Zenith. One of the first employees of the company was Emil Krchak of Crystal Lake. The first and only office employee was Betty Freeman, while Stanley Freeman worked on the set-up of the machinery. The first shipment of low pressure aerosol valves was shipped from this location to Continental Can Company in 1948. As the business expanded, more room was needed. In 1950 their own plant was built at 225 N. First Street in Cary, which today is the home of Accutronics Co. Axel Carlson, co-founder of Werner Die sold his portion of the company to els eaquist in 1953. He retired to Florida. 1934 19-25 Spring t. 1946 Werner Die & tamping moved upstairs of Freeman Garage. Later became Seaquist Manufacturing. ( tan Freeman, lim Zimmerman and Maurice Freeman) The company was redesigned for molded plastic valve use and the plant became known as Seaquist Manufacturing Company. In 1964 eaquist sold his operation to Pittsburgh Railroad Company ( today known as Pittway Corporation) located in orthbrook, Illinois. eaquist Manufacturing went on to become the oldest aerosol valve company in business and the recognized industry leader. eaquist has expanded into a eaquist Group of worldwide companies and sales offices. Illinois, Wisconsin and Florida are U. S. operations. International locations are in France, West Germany, England, Canada, Australia, ew Zealand, Mexico, Japan, pain and Italy. Many local people were hired by Werner Die and Stamping. Women worked a 4 hour shift on the assembly line during the early evening hours, while their husbands babysat. But today, it is all hi-tech machinery doing the job. ❖ Elizabeth H. Freeman 114 SEAQUIST VALVE COMPANY - 1947

OUR FARMS Late 1800's Alton-Zogus Farm 115

John D. Hertz REIGH COUNT . Owner: Mrs. John D. Hertz 116 Frances Kesner Hertz (Fannie)

JOHN D. HERTZ John D. Hertz was born in Ruttka, Austria in 1879. He came with his parents to Chicago to live when he was five years old. John wasn't much for school, at the age of twelve he sold his school books and got a job selling papers on the street corner which helped support his parents. Mr. Hertz tried many different jobs beside selling papers. He became an office boy for the Chicago Daily News but got fired from that job. He drove a delivery wagon for six dollars a week and he became a boxer and promoter, running weekly boxing shows in Chicago. He fell in love with Frances (Fannie) Kesner, but she refused to marry him unless he gave up boxing. He gave up the boxing and took a job with the Chicago Morning Record Newspaper as a boxing and billiard reporter. John and Fannie were married July 15, 1903. Next he demonstrated cars for the Electric Vehicle Co. in Chicago and eventually opened his own agency with a partner, W. W. Shaw. In those days cars were not insulated against the harsh winter weather, so with ten cars left over from the spring sales they improvised them with heaters and sent them out on the streets of Chicago as taxicabs. This was the start of John Hertz becoming a millionaire. By 1913 they had a fleet of gaudy yellow and black cabs cruising around Chicago; the colors could not be missed. He also started cab companies in other cities. In 1929 he sold his interest in the Yellow Cab Co. Hertz became such an authority on motor transportation that he was called to Washington D. C. during WWI and WWII as an advisor to the War Department. In 1947 he received the Medal of Merit, highest honor awarded a civilian by the government for his war-time duty. Around 1918-1919, Hertz had a real estate man named Charles Techler quietly looking for land in the Cary area. The Hertz' wanted a home in the country. By 1920, Techler had collected several pieces of land in Cary which Hertz purchased. He purchased approximately 940 acres throughout his years in Cary, including the Levi Smith, George Lowe and the Seebert farm land. Hertz built a thirty-five room house on the land in the choicest spot, 180 Stonegate Road. He named it the "Leona Farm", after bis eldest daughter. John and Fannie's great interest was raising thoroughbred horses. Some of the greats were: Reigh Count, Derby winner of 1928; Count Fleet, Triple Crown (Derby, Preakness and Belmont) winner of 1943 and Anita Peabody. Count fleet was sent to stud after seriously injuring a tendon during the Belmont race. Of course the racing colors were gaudy yellow and black. Two of Hertz' horses are buried on the old Hertz estate, just in front of the Park District building, one on each side of the flag pole that stands in the front entrance of the building. A great horse, Luke McLuke is one of the horses and the other was either Anita Peabody or Pair By Pair; no one seems to be sure of that. Reigh Count is not buried on the estate. continued next page 117

During the Depression in 1929, the Arlington Race Track almost went under. John Hertz then organized a group that purchased the Arlington Race Track and kept it going, making it one of the most beautiful tracks in the country. Hertz sold his interest in 1940. He was also involved in Parmalee Transfer Co. ( Hertz Rent-A-Car and Paramount Pictures). The weather in Illinois was harsh for the breeding of horses. One day Fannie Hertz was being driven up to the big house, when in the pasture she saw that a foal was being born. She stopped the car, took off her mink coat and covered the young foal until the men could remove it into the warmth of the barn. This was a big factor in the move to Paris, Kentucky where the weather was more moderate. The Hertz family had several homes. They were located in: California ( where Mr. and Mrs. Hertz both died); New York; Paris, Kentucky, Florida and in Cary, Illinois. From 1933 Mr. and Mrs. Hertz spent most of their time in ew York City where John Hertz was a partner in Lehman Brother Brokerage House. Many years before his death, the John and Fannie Hertz Foundation was established. This was devoted to the Advancement of Applied Physical Sciences. Hertz established this Foundation to show his appreciation and love of our country for the good things it had done for him. Young men and women, if applicable, may receive a grant to attend college to study engineering. In 1928 Hertz donated a building in loving memory of his parents to the Village of Vrutkey (Europe). The building wa either an orphanage or a home for the elderly. A certificate was given to him by the officials of the Village. This is on display at the Cary Station Museum. Until 1982 the legal residence and office remained in Cary at 226 W. Main treet, managed by Alton Huttel. Mr. and Mrs. Hertz had three children: Leona, Helen and John Jr., all deceased. A grandson, John, son of Leona, lives in California. The era of John Hertz probably doe not mean much to the new comers of Cary but there are many great memories to the folks who lived in this era because he was such a part of what Cary is today. ❖ ' Hert:: Estate wimming Pool Elizabeth H. Freeman "'""""',,"'t' 118

Hertz Estate Rear patio area 1910 Freeman Boarding House 104-1 (Xj Spring Street Purchased by Freeman in 1910. Was leased in 1920 for 3 years to Mr. & Mrs. James Wolf Jr., the son of the Pres. of ure-On Tire Co. Saver. 119

120 THE HERTZ-LEONA FARM The Leona Farm included Trout Valley, Brigadoon and acreage across the Cary-Algonquin Road totalling around 940 acres. It was land once owned by Levi Smith, George Lowe and Levi Seebert. A realtor by the name of Charles Techler quietly made deals on these properties for John Hertz. In 1920, upon completion of these deals, John Hertz owned the property. John and Fannie Hertz moved into the farm house until the "Big House" of thirty-five rooms was completed. The farm house then became a boarding house for workers. At the present time it is privately owned and serves as a pre-school. Mr. Hertz had a water tower erected with a complete water system to service the property. He also had roads constructed as well as barns and sheds built for all the equipment that was to be used on the farm. To name a few of the animals raised on the farm: Hackney horses, Belgian Dray horses, Doberman and German Shepherd dogs, and chickens of the Buff Orphington breed. 1925 Brigadoon J. D. Hertz horses, High Road and. Mt. Tom. In 1922 a greenhouse was built, it was run by George Bainbridge. Most every tree and shrub imaginable was planted. A specialty were the apple trees and each year apples were boxed and shipped to friends aH over the United States. A group of office buildings were built close to the main gate, now the Village Complex. Daughter Leona's large home was built, with swimming pool, polo fields and trout ponds. Polo was a favorite past time for the Hertz family and many well-known players took part in the matches on the Hertz fields. The help hired for the farm were local people with the exception of about three or four. There were farm hands, horsemen, servants, chauffeurs and weed pullers, which many young people of Cary participated in. It took a great many workers to run the farm and to keep the ground looking as

beautiful as they were. These were hard times for the people everywhere due to the depression and a pay check each week was a tremendous help to the families of Cary. Many famous people visited the Hertz-Leona Farms; Will Rogers, George Jessel, Norman Thomas, Amelia Earhart and Samuel lnsull to name a few. One time Eleanor Roosevelt, Harry Hopkins and his young daughter came to visit the farm. The young daughter became ill. Harry Hopkins ( advisor to President Roosevelt) had to get back to Washington D. C. so the Presidents wife, Eleanor Roosevelt stayed on for a week or so to be with the young girl. John Hertz purchased a Sikorsky Amphibian airplane in 1929 for $60,183. It was kept tied down in the field ( now known as Krenz Avenue between the Fire Station and Maplewood School). Red lights were installed on top of the Art Franke Coal Chutes, the Old Village Hall on Route 14 and on the Old Water Tower on High Road. These lights were used as guides to the landing field. The name of the plane was "The Three Johns" which stood for himself, his son and his grandson. When Hertz stayed in Cary, he and his family or their friends would fly into Chicago and land on Lake Michigan. Awaiting them would be one of Hertz' personal taxi cabs. It would take them wherever they wanted to go. Of course there was no meter in the cab. The meter was hollow and inside was a canister for whiskey for any of the riders to use; after all, it was Prohibition. John Hertz did many good deeds for the Village of Cary. Chicago had at one time the idea to use Cary's dead gravel pits for dumping their garbage. It was a scary time for Cary but John Hertz took care of that matter in a hurry. Another time was during the Depression. The banks were closing down and it was John Hertz who added a bit more cash to keep the Cary State Bank open. A great relief to all the depositors. Hertz at one time had trouble with the Union in Chicago when he ran the Yellow Cab Company. Hertz did not want the Union, but the Union hired thugs to wreck his cabs and beat up his drivers. Hertz in his own way settled that matter also - no Union. One night some thugs followed Hertz home and after that the State Police were always near when Mr. Hertz was in residence. They stayed around the farm all night. Some stayed in the turrets on top of the large horse arena ( now demolished}, with guns drawn. Its been said none of them enjoyed their assignment very much. When Hertz went to the Arlington Race Track he was protected by the State Troopers. Many of the Hertz' horses ran at the Arlington Race Track. Fred (Fritz} Lazansky was the chauffeur for tpe family. His brother Jule and Jim Thomson worked for Mr. Hertz also. Fritz states that Jule and Jim were the strongest men he ever knew. If a horse was baulky and would not get into the stall, they would both get in back of the horse and lift the horse off the ground and push it into the stall. Mr. Hertz had a membership to the Cary Country Club and the family would play there often. The children, Helen and John were friendly. They would come by train to Cary and take a taxi up to the "Big House". They never complained about the status of the Freeman Cab. continued next page 121

122 Many old-timers in Cary could possibly have a story to tell about Hertz. In 1938, Mr. Hertz started to move his operations to Paris, Kentucky where the weather was more moderate for the breeding of horses. In 1941 the Hertz-Leona Farm closed down. Up until 1983 the home at 226 West Main Street was the legal residence of John and Fannie Hertz. This was also the office where all of Mr. Hertz' transactions went through. All records were kept here. The office was managed by Alton Huttel with the help of Sylvia Richardson and Elizabeth Harper Freeman. In May of 1991 the last six acres of the Hertz estate had been sold. The land was purchased by the Chalet Group, owners of the Chalet Golf Course on Rawson Bridge Road. On February 7, 1992, the property was sold to John Vigilante and Don Johnson of Vigilante Builder of Glenview. Fifty-one townhouses will be built on the property under the name Carriage Hill. The days of Hertz are over but not forgotten by the many people of Cary who were associated with them. ❖ Elizabeth H. Freeman 1918 John Arps Home• 112 Crystal t. 1915 3 econd treet Grantham Hotel & Boarding House Burned dorm u:hen Ralph chleich put the parking lot in/or gas station. Owned now by Bingham Auto ert'ice.

CURTISS FARM #711 . In 1943 Curtiss Candy Company became the new owners of the Hertz Farm Estate in Cary. At that time Otto Schnering was president of the company. Instead of the breeding of thoroughbred horses, it became the breeding place of thoroughbred cattle. And again, as it was when Hertz owned the land, Cary residents were hired to care for the animals and attend the gardens on the farm. Curtiss Farm was into raising cattle, hogs, ducks, turkeys, chickens, mink and pygmy cattle which were very interesting. The turkeys were housed on top of Horseshoe Hill, as it was known years ago, where the Bond Cottage stood, giving it its present name, Turkey Hill Road. The Curtiss Company owned several farms. One being in Wheeling, Illinois where they had purchased the golf links. This farm was used for the butchering of the fowl produced by Curtiss. A second farm in Marengo, Illinois produced a variety of vegetables with the big crop being potatoes. These were to be used in the making of potato chips. The rest of the crops were sold to Chicago restaurants and hotels. In Cary, the liberal spreading of manure from the cattle over the fields as fertilizer, many times had Otto Schnering apologizing to the village folks for the stench it caused. When Curtiss moved to Cary they brought many of their own employees with them, creating a need for housing. In Cary there were no houses for sale and no rental apartments to be found. So Curtiss started to buy up as much liveable housing as was available. A farm was purchased at Meadowdale ( Route 25 ), and the large house was used as a boarding house for workers. It was later sold to the Catholic Church that is located there at the present time. An apartment building in Algonquin on Main Street was purchased for workers to live in. The Tomiskey Building and the Freeman Apartments in Cary were also purchased. Curtiss also built a group of studio apartments in the 600 block of West Main Street, Cary to house workers. It is now being used as rental apartments. The building at the entrance to Trout Valley on Cary-Algonquin Road and the Commons Road was used as a social room and dormitory for the many young men that attended the Curtiss College. These young men came from all over the states to learn about artificial insemination of cattle. Curtiss purchased the schoolhouse at 441 West Main Street and that became the Curtiss College where these men were taught. The preschool in Trout Valley was used as a boarding house for the workers. It has been sold to a private party and again is a preschool. The school at West Main is now the Senior Citizens Center. Each week the employees were given chickens, eggs, milk and vegetables in season. Many employees would barter the chickens and eggs for gas, car repairs, etc. In 1950, Curtiss went into the business of artificial insemination of cattle to attain the highest breed of cattle. It was called the Curtiss Improved Stud Service. Their sires were the tops in the nation. One prize bull was named "Astronaut", another was "Prince Charming" and I'm sure there were many more. continued next page 123

124 1950 CURT/ S 6 PONY HITCH 1925 Hertz & Curtiss Arena Barn Demolished 1976

Curtiss had what was called a "Six Pony Hitch", six ponies and a wagon. They performed all over the country. In 1951, we attended the Pomona County Fair in California. It was good to see this Pony Hitch from our home town perform in front of thousands of people. Otto Schnering died in 1953. A tribute written by Tony Weitzel, of the Chicago Daily News, to Otto Schnering follows: "How would you like to die? Some folks pray all their lives for the boon of a happy death. None of us, I think, could choose a better way than Otto Schnering's. He left this battered old world Saturday night in the very midst of helping a new generation of boys find their place in it. "Otto Schnering was listed in Dun & Bradstreet as president of Curtiss Candy Co. The financial rating matches its position as the biggest candy maker in the world. Tremendous annual gross. Huge plants. Six thousand employees. Otto Schnering cooked it all up out of a 5-gallon kettle in a dingy room back of a N. Clark St. hardware store. "That was in 1916, three years after he graduated from the University of Chicago. He tired of selling pianos. Got an idea for a nickel candy bar. Rented the back room and started his candy empire in one of the hardware man's pots. amed the company after his mother. "Millions of American kids bought his candy. He knew what kids liked. He knew, also, what kids need to become good citizens. One of his pet projects was the Chicago Boys Clubs. Gave 'em a lot of money. IL wasn't really a gift, he argued, but an investment in Chicago's future. And America's. "In 1944 doctors told Otto Schnering to take things easier. 'His idea of slowing up', a friend sighed, 'was not to show up at the plant until the office opened at 8: 15!' "For the last few months he hadn't been feeling too well. But aturday night he tuned in on the annual Boys Club TV Marathon. miled when we read off his name, and his 1,000 gift, and the total jumped on the big blackboard. Then minutes later, just before midnight, while some of his beloved Boys Club kids were singing, Otto chnering left this weary earth." In 1953, Mrs. chnering kept the stud services and all other holdings were sold off. The land was sold to Don Maxon and Associates who subdivided the farm. This developed into Trout Valley and Brigadoon. When Don Maxon finished with his building program, Val Budd Jr. took over the remaining unsold lots in Brigadoon and continued to sell lots for homes. Mrs. Otto chnering left the "Big House" and the farm shortly after. The "Big House" was sold to become an exclusive restaurant, The Villa d'Este, holding its private preview by invitation only, September 30, 1955. The idea was to make it into a private club, members and guests only. The club was unsuccessful. They then wanted to make the "Big House" into a motel and have some type of commercial enterprise in the bull barns. Trout Valley was very upset about these plans and after years of fighting they won and in 1962 the Villa d'Este was up for sale. It did not sell. continued next page 125

In September of 1973 it was to be auctioned off, but the night before the auction the Villa d'Este burned to the ground. The land was leveled and sold to a pivate party. Mrs. Schnering had kept the stud service known then as the Curtiss Breeding Service until 1968 when it was sold to G. D. Searle becoming part of the Searle Agriculture Inc. In 1974, G. D. Searle Company donated the Hertz Office Complex to the Village of Cary, estimated at more than half a million dollars. Searle Agriculture Inc. moved their operations across the Cary-Algonquin Road into their new laboratory now known as Cary Oaks, and in 1976 moved their operations to the Curtiss Farm at Elburn, Illinois with many of their employees moving to that location also. The group of buildings known as the Hertz Office Complex became the Village Complex. It incorporated the Community Center, Park District, Library, Village Hall and the Police Department. This complex was approved by the voters of Cary in August of 1976 by a Village referendum. The huge indoor arena barn was torn down. This was something many people did not anticipate and are still orry it was demolished. It had been used by Hertz to play polo and by Curtiss for many cattle auctions which hundreds of people attended. In 1978 the Village Complex was ready for the village officials to move into their new home. We are all very proud of our new complex and proud to show it off. It would be hard to find one that's more beautiful. Elizabeth H. Freeman Foy Mentch

MIKLICA FARM The Miklica farm is located west of the new water tower on Three Oaks Road directly across the road from the Fasse farm, between the old Zogus farm property and the new Three Oaks Industrial Park property. The land was purchased from the United States Government in 1848-49, in two separate purchases by Thomas and Sarah Morgan and Michael and Mary Ann Carman. It changed ownership several times during the following years. On March 27, 1906, it was purchased by Thomas and Anna Krejci for $3,600. Thomas and Anna Krejci worked the 46 acre farm for 32 years. After the death of Thomas, Anna Krejci sold the farm to her daughter Lillian, and Lillian's husband Frank Miklica on October 19, 1938. The Miklica's worked the farm for 38 years. Frank died in 1942. Lillian and daughter Marion ran the farm. There were 46 milk cows to be milked twice a day. After the death of Lillian in July 1976, the heirs of Lillian and Frank, sold the farm to John and Delores Gray of Barrington, Illinois, who still own the farm and continue to rent it out to this date. The location of this farm property, between two business areas, will increase its value, and no doubt be purchased for more business growth to Cary. ❖ Elizabeth H Freeman 1850 Original Farm Ho~e Ot•er 100 years old 1925 West Three Oah Road. Stuck in the mud. 127

128 1900's Threshing 1915-1920 Threshers• Lowe Farm Aisery Uruierslung Threshing Machine.

THRESIIlNG SCOITY HANSEN REMEMBERS Back in the old days ( year 1925) when hard surfaced roads were first introduced in f:ary, it created quite a problem for my Dad, Gus Hansen and his brother, Henry. They owned and operated a threshing machine business which was pulled and powered by a J. I. Case steam engine. The large wheels were equipped wHh 4 inch lugs. In order to not damage the hard surface roads, the wheels had to be 'planked'. This was done by using four 12-foot long planks. It took four persons to keep moving the planks ont ahead of the other until reaching the country gravel roads. I was one of the four people doing the 'planking'. The threshing machine was steam driven and fired by coal. ❖ Ervin (Scotty) Hansen 1920-1930'& Hank McGrau: Threshing Outfit. Nat Kerns in derby hat. COFFMAN MFG. CORP. - 1950

130 FOUR OAKS FARM The first farm on Three Oaks Road, west of Route 14, was the Howard Alton farm. The farm directly west and adjacent to the Alton farm belonged to the Senne family. These were ordinary dairy farms with a few crops grown to make fodder to feed the cows. Now, after 150 years, these two farms have become an important part of the future growth of the Village of Cary. The first farm was owned by John and Olive A. Baldwin. John Baldwin died in 1897. The Bald wins owned and subdivided what is now known as Park Avenue, also called 'Barefoot Alley' years ago. February 9, 1894, an advertisement in the unda Herald read: "Because of poor health I will sell, offer for sale, my warehouse, lumber and feed business in Cary, Illinois. J. F. Baldwin." The business being located along side the railroad tracks in front of the post office on Jandus Road. It is also recorded in the Cary Village Board Meeting ofJuly 3, 1894, J. F. Baldwin's proposition to grade and deed to the Village, the street as laid in the Plat of his second addition to Cary. The Baldwin farm was sold to Howard and Jennie Alton, during the early 1900's. Howard Alton, a foreman for the Chicago surface lines, retained his job in Chicago, while Jennie Alton moved to Cary and managed the farm. Because of the different varieties of oak trees on the farm property it was named Four Oaks Farm. Some say this is how Three Oaks Road got its name, but we don't know what happened to the fourth oak. Jennie Alton was very successful in running her farm. Her herd of cattle were some of the best in the country. It was Jennie Alton's custom to drive to Cary every morning to deliver the milk to the Borden Milk Factory. One morning, in July of 1915, at 46 years of age, Jennie was driving her milk wagon into town, and as she crossed the railroad crossing at Three Oaks Road and Route 14, a train crashed into her wagon killing Jennie instantly. The wagon was completely demolished, one horse was killed, the other horse had been cut loose from the wagon and was uninjured. On March 2, 1916, Charles and Agnes Zogus, of Chicago, purchased the 95 acre farm at 3317 Three Oaks Road from Howard Alton. The farm at that time included the land where a branch drive-in for the First Security Bank is now located, about 40 acres across Three Oaks Road from the bank, and the land where the Country Tile and Carpet, 3300 Three Oaks Road is located. Cary Industrial Center is adjacent to the rear of the Zogus farm. On September 9, 1926, Charles Zogus Sr. was returning from Barrington with two other men. As they crossed the bridge over the Fox River, the car lights went out. The driver, Peter Ambrose, an employee of Zogus's became confused causing the car to turn over in a deep ditch. Ambrose leaped to safety but Zogus and the other man Joseph Warren were pinned underneath the car. Mr. Zogus, age 50, was killed. Joseph Warren did survive. Jim Parsley Sr. was the Village Marshall at the time and handled the accident. continued next page

Late 1800's A lton-Zogus Farm House, 3317 Three Oaks Road, Burned down. SECOND BARN Alwn-Zogus Barn, burned down 131

132 In March of 1945, Chuck Zogus III and his wife Claire Krenz Zogus purchased the farm from Agnes Zogus. Agnes moved into the flat upstairs. The land was rented out to Ray Fasse and Dave Gieske, farm neighbors of the Zogus's. After the death of Chuck Zogus III in 1977, his wife Claire continued to live in the farm house. In January 1991, Claire Zogus sold the balance of the unused farm land to Edward Walters of Barrington. Claire Zogus occupied the farm house until July 31, 1991. The farm house which was over 100 years old and the barn ( this was the second barn as the first one burned down) was donated to the Cary Fire Department for training purposes. The house and barn were burned down October 19, 1991. In an annexation agreement with the Village of Cary, a water storage tank was built on the Zogus property and became the property of the Village. ❖ Before 1915 View of Crystal treet. Elizabeth H. Freeman 1912 Digging for Cary' Water Main Rasmussen; Blacksmith, Newbold Livery, Grocery tore, Abbott's Pool, Tony Jensen aloon., Abbott's Barber hop, Jail; in rear a blacksmith.

r THE SENNE FARM The Senne farm was owned by Henry and Lois Senne. As Henry advanced in years ( around 1927) they rented the farm out to Charles Glaw. Henry took a job at the Raue Hardware Store in Crystal Lake. Charlie Glaw lived on, and worked, the farm for twenty years, then moved into Crystal Lake, Illinois. In 1947, Ray Fasse ( who came to Cary in 1941 and rented the Schroeder farm on the corner of Silver Lake Road and Three Oaks Road) also rented the Senne farm. In 1957, Ray Fasse purchased the 90 acre farm. Fasse who lived and farmed in the Cary area for 38 years, was well known and well liked. Fasse sold the farm in 1976 with part of the agreement being he could stay on the farm for five years. Fasse moved from the farm to Union, Illinois, in 1979 still having a financial interest in the propert)'. In the early 1980's the barn was burned down. The farm house burned down in 1989. In January 1991, Edward Walters of Barrington, Illinois purchased the Fasse farm the same time he purchased the Zogus farm. Edward Walter's plans for the Zogus and Fasse farms are to construct a shopping mall. The map of the new Three Oaks Road businesses, shows a road, Georgetown Road, going south through the Fasse farm, then west, meeting with Randall Road. The old phrase - 'Go West Young Man, Go West', seems to be what the Village of Cary is doing. Elizabeth H Freeman •!+-----------❖ 1909 503 W Main Street Home of Joe & Mary Honwla 133

134 FRED KRENZ FARM 312 W. Main Street As you head west from the Village of Cary, driving or walking on West Main Street, it is a very pleasant sight. Nice homes, yards, paved roads, sidewalks and large old shade trees that took years and years to grow. Just a very pleasing small town atmosphere. 1903 Back in 1893, heading west on W. Main Street, by horseback, horse and wagon, or walking, was just as pleasant but entirely different. The roadway was dirt, no sidewalks, the trees, if any, much smaller in size, and no houses with lovely yards. Fred Krenz Farm House - 312 W Main St. Mildred T,emke Osborn in front. One block west of High Road was a house on the north side of the street. It was a lovely farm house, with barn and out sheds that farms usually have. The barn stood in back, where the Watson Lowe home is located on 26 Seebert Street. The land in back ( to the railroad) and west ( to the blacktop) was purchased from the U. S. Government in 1843 by Levi Seebert. After the death of Levi and Electa Gillilan Seebert, their son Samuel became heir to the land and after Samuel's death, his daughter, Bertha eebert Hawley owned the property. Fred and Pauline Krenz (brother to Albert) came to Cary in 1912 and rented this farm from Samuel Seebert. In 1915 they purchased the farm. When the immunization of all milk cows for TB became law, Fred decided to quit farming. Around 1921 he sold off all his farm animals and subdivided the land. He kept the land on the north side of W. Main and on Seebert Street and sold it as individual lots. The land from Krenz Ave. back to the railroad, west to Cary-Algonquin blacktop, back to W. Main and to Wulff Street, he sold to C. Arthur Franke for $300 per acre. This section is called Franke Addition. Krenz also owned the triangular piece of property surrounded by CaryAlgonquin Road, Silver Lake Road and the railroad tracks. (Route 14 was not built at that time.) The young people of Cary used it as a baseball diamond. Currently on this property stands ew World Music, Indoor Golf, Pro Tile, Bryk Pharmacy, Peppermill Cafe, Northern Federal Savings & Loan and Amoco Gas Station and Car Wash. The old farm house is still standing on the corner of eebert and W. Main but now it's the second house there, still in use today ( with some remodeling) and is owned by Dennis Krenz and family, grandson of Fred and Pauline Krenz. Dennis says from the information they have gathered, the house is over 100 years old. ❖ Elizabeth H. Freeman

ALBERT KRENZ FARM In 1978, "The Cary Industrial Center", brainstorm of Tom Decker, became real. Tom Decker purchased 592 acres of land from a group of investors and developed it into forty-seven industrial lots. A great asset was added to our Village both in appearance and as a tax base. Many local people are employed in businesses located on this one-mile long Industrial Drive. In 1989 it was approximated that the center was 90-95% completed and employed 950 individuals with an estimated gross annual wage of $15,723,000. There are twenty buildings that house over 30 businesses, from a nationally known next-day delivery service to a plastic injection molding company. The buildings are built low, are very good looking and fit right into the surrounding landscape and residential area. I'm sure way back in 1843 when Levi Seebert purchased this farm land from the United States Government for $1.25 per acre, never could he imagine in the future an Industrial Drive Center. Industrial Drive in 1843 was a dirt driveway leading to the farm house and its barn, sheds and silo. The Cary-Algonquin Road in front was probably a dirt road at first, then gravel. The farm house was built on the southwest corner of the driveway, the barn and silo on the northwest side of the driveway. The farm included most of Greenfield Subdivision, up to W. Main Street, the land where the Jewel Store is located and the Bright Oaks Subdivision. After the death of Levi Seebert, his son Samuel became heir to the farm and after Samuel's death, his daughter Bertha Seebert Hawley owned the farm. When the railroad came into Cary in 1854, later moving more north, they purchased a strip of land right through the farm. The pasture then being on the other side of the railroad tracks. To compensate for this, the railroad made an access from the farm to the pasture land by installing a culvert under the train tracks for the cows to walk through. It was just a narrow opening braced with railroad ties, and had a dirt floor. Then when the highway was built the State made a culvert under the road, a square opening with a dirt floor. The farmer could then drive his cows, with the help of a good dog, under the train tracks, under the highway and over to the pasture. In 1918, the farm was rented to Albert and Lillian Krenz, who worked the farm until Albert's death in 1952. Herman Radloff, a hired man, worked for the Krenz family all the years the family was on the farm. It was mostly a dairy farm, probably eighty cows, milked by hand twice a day. The cow pasture was the woods on the other side of the tracks, now known as Bright Oaks Subdivision. There is still family of Albert and Lillian Krenz living in Cary; Claire Zogus, Mildred Fitzgerald, Alta Kalteux and many grandchildren. Carl (Red) Krenz, a son of Albert & Lillian, was a businessman in Cary. He owned the Krenz Trucking Co. for many years. He passed away in 1982. contiluuxl next page 135

This farm was the last farm within the boundry of Cary's city limits. When Industrial Drive was built, the house and barn were burned down to make room for this industrial area. Oh, yes, both culverts are still there in place, except the one under the railroad was replaced with metal and the one under the Route 14 highway replaced with cement. o, you won't see a cow walking through, but you might see a snowmobile ride through. ❖ Elizabeth Harper Freeman 1843 Levi Seebert Farm Rented IC Albert Krenz 1918. Localed at entrance IC Industrial Drive. Burned down. Cary Industrial Center Culvert built under railroad for cows IC cross IC pasture. About 1856.

R. R. R. DAY CAMP FEL-PRO Rest-Relaxation-Recreation began in June 1974. Sounds wonderful and it is wonderful. The day camp is located at 1520 Crystal Lake Road, Cary, Illinois. It is just north and west of the Northwood Fur Farm and across the road from Chalet Golf Course. This land was originally one of Cary's local farms, once owned by Charles S. McNett, later owned by John D. Hertz, who sold it to Charles Gray, President of the Yellow Cab Co. in Chicago, whose family used it as a summer home. A tenant farmer worked the land. Mr. Gray was thrown from a horse while riding in Lincoln Park, Chicago, on Christmas morning 1927 and killed. Some years later, Margaret Gray, his wife, married Edward Kennedy, also of the Yellow Cab Company. After the death of Mrs. Kennedy, Ed lived on the farm for many years. The property is now owned by the Fel-Pro Company, 7550 N. McCormick Blvd., Skokie, Illinois. Fel-Pro makes gaskets for automobiles. The company is very committed to the employees' children. Each summer the camp serves over 300 children ranging in age from 5½ to 15. Weekly cost to each employee of Fel-Pro is $25.00 regardless of the number of children per family attending camp. The majority of the camp's cost is subsidized by Fel-Pro. The day camp contains 220 acres. There are pavillions, olympic-size swimming pool, ball fields, volleyball and basketball courts, three spring-fed lakes for fishing, and nature trails for hiking. Camp buses leave Fel-Pro at 8:40 AM each week day for the camp in Cary. Parents meet their children when the buses return. Children are supervised in the snack area until 5 PM. This is a wonderful and powerful social experience for all of the children involved. ❖ 1910 Crystal Street )iroy Groceries - 50 Crystal St., Abbott Pool Hall - 46 Crystal St., Tony Jeruen Tavern & Hotel - 44 Crystal St., Abbott Barber Slwp - 42 Crystal t., Old Jail - 4 Crystal St. Background: Frary farm - 10 W. Main St. FLEXICON INC. - 1985 Elizabeth H Freeman 137

138 4-06 FIRST STREET FARM One of Cary' original farms was located at 406 . First Street. The farm house was built sometime in the late 1800's. The barn was located a few hundred feet to the rear of the house. Wagner Drive was the dirt or gravel driveway going into the farm and at about 39 Wagner Drive was where the pigpen was located. Ownership has been traced back to Sherman L. Burton who in 1892-93 operated a cheese and butter factory at what is now 53-55 Cary Street. In 1927 the farm was sold to Frank and Cora Fischer who had a summer home in Hickory Nut Grove. The Fischers had one daughter Lormay. Around 1920, Lormay married Oval Tilford whQ was from Missouri and a sailor in the U. S. avy. After WWI, they lived in Chicago for awhile, then the family came to live on the farm working the land for Frank Fischer. Three sons were born of this union; Gene, Jim and Jack (Jack was born in the farmhouse in 1927.) Oval Tilford went on a hunting trip to ew Mexico, got lost in a snowstorm and his body was not found until the next spring -1928. Around 1932, Lormay married Clyde Reynolds ( from Kentucky). Two daughters were born to them; Ileene and ancy Reynolds. The family once again lived in Chicago. In 1933, Frank Fischer died and Cora died in 1935. Lormay inherited the 111-acre farm. She and Clyde Reynolds moved to the farm and worked the farm until 1939-40 when Clyde had a serious accident on the farm and was burned badly. In 1946 Clyde died. Lormay stayed on the farm for a few years then the farm was taken over by Miner B. Weaver. 1927 406 First Street/arm. Birth place of Jack Reynolds, and owned by his grandparents Frank & Cora Fischer. ow farm house owned by Bob and Audree Wagner.

Weaver rented the farm to Joe Kvidera, but after a couple years Joe left the farm also. Other renters of the farm were; John Storm, Ainer Rasmusson; Paul Schumacher and Charles and Bob Wagner. When the farm was being rented to Charlie and his son Bob Wagner, a fire was started in the barn, ignited by a spark from the tractor which was being repaired. The Cary firemen came and put the fire out. They were very happy with themselves as they rolled the hose and prepared to leave, when the fire rekindled and burned a hole in the ceiling, starting the hay on fire. The barn burned to the ground. The barn was never rebuilt. The 111 acres of farm land extended north to Three Oaks Road, west to Eldon Drive and a small parcel went back to Park Ave. The piece on Park Ave. was sold to John and Margaret Boucek on June 9, 1948 by Lormay Reynolds, a widow. Boucek's built their home on this lot at 224 W. Park Ave. The Holy Cross Lutheran Church purchased 7.39 acres of the land from Eldon Weaver (son of Miner) in 1959 for $15,000, and built their new church. The Methodist Church also purchased their land from the Weaver estate, as did the Catholic Church and School. The Oak Knoll Apartments were also part of the original farm land. Around 1948-50, M. B .. Weaver owning the land, and developers Ernst Hansen and Morey Hall subdivided the property. Lots were sold and houses built. Bob and Audree Wagner purchased the original farm house and one extra lot across the street from them. When building an addition on the farm house, newspapers were found in the wall ( dating back to the 1800's) that had been used as insulation. Farm land in Cary is becoming less and less, in fact almost NIL. Back in 1893 we talked about our Village as being about a 2½ BLOCK area. Now in 1993, we are talking about almost a 6½ MILE area. Cary has grown · you bet. Old Miller Farm· Three Oaks Road Now Carullewood & Spring Green Subdivisions. Elizabeth H Freeman :-----------•!• 139

140 1904 Spring treet (Depot treet) Petriak's AnLiques (Grebe Hardware), Cary Buffet ( demolished), Wascher's Tavern, Kerns General tore.

SUBDIVISIONS 141

142 SUBDMSIONS OF CARY JANDUS - 1896-1912 In 1896-1912, the Washington Ice Company owned this property along the Fox River at the end of Jandus Road. They had a large house for the storage of ice. When the ice was cut and taken from the river, it was stored until needed in summer. This area was also one of the largest sand and gravel operations in northern Illinois. Thomas Allen was the second superintendent of the ice house ( the first being Samuel Morrison). Allen lived in the house at this location until 1899 when he moved into town where he had built a new home at 128-30 W. Main Street. The house near the ice house was converted into a boarding house run by Mrs. John Marquette, housing gravel pit workers. Lightning struck the building and it burned to the ground. The Washington Ice Company changed to Knickerbocker Ice Company and then.to Consumer Ice Company. In 1914, a former judge and state senator, Cyril Jandus, bought 36 acres of land from the Consumers Ice Company. After he subdivided the land it became known as Jandus Subdivision. ARLING1DN CLUB - 1899 Located on Route 14 at the Fox River Bridge. There was a small house built on this land in 1891. Arlington Club was one of the first recreational cooperative clubs in this part of Illinois. A group of men from Arlington Heights, Illinois, purchased this land in 1899. In 1900, it was named Arlington Heights Sporting Club. In those days it was a three hour buggy ride from Arlington Heights to the Fox River. The members built summer homes so they could come for fishing, hunting and boating. In 1920 the name changed to the Arlington Heights Country Club. The local people jost call it the Arlington Club. After 60 years, the wonderful spring where so many people came with their jugs, pails and cups to drink the water was closed. SPRING BEACH -1910 Spring Beach started to build up around 1910. Being mostly summer homes, the folks came to Cary on week-ends and on vacations. The train stopped only at Cary, not at Fox River Grove, so the people got off at Cary Station and walked to their cottages on the Fox River. If there was some item they forgot at the Kerns and Smith grocery store. they usually did without. This was the day of not many wells for drinking water, coal for fuel and kerosene lamps. There was a wonderful spring of water at the Arlington Club and that is where they would walk to get drinking water. Coal could be picked up along the railroad tracks, a few sacks full to carry them through the weekend. It was not an easy task, but there were plenty of worms, bass and pickerel to be caught. Sunday came, everything had to be closed up and the hike back to the train station begun. VIKING HEIGHTS - MOUNT MORIAH - VAL HALLA - ORMANDY - ALLEN GRA DVIEW - 1914-1920 These subdivisions were at one time all part of the farm owned by Abijah C. Abbott. They are all located on East Main Street, adjacent to each other. Part of Val Halla and ormandy were sold to Paul Wium. VIKING HEIGHTS: In 1914 a group of people leased property from Abbott and summer cottages were built, later the land was purchased from Abbott. It must be remembered this was all pasture land but the lure of the Fox River