A Factory Smokestack in Western Springs?

In the 1880’s, most families moved to the suburbs to escape the congestion and pollution that were endemic to larger cities. However, Western Springs was actually once home to a factory, complete with smokestack. 

In the 1880’s, a two-story brick structure, 40 by 60 feet in size, was built on the northwest corner of Hillgrove and Prospect, the approximate site of today’s swimming pool. According to records in the Western Springs Historical Society archives, the factory produced woolen goods and employed twelve people. 

After operating for two years, the business was closed due to mounting losses.  However, a local resident named Muhleman acquired the building for the manufacture of ball bearings (shown above). This business operated for several years before switching to the manufacture of small farm tractors.  But, after two years, the undercapitalized company had to close its doors.  

Finally, a Hinsdale resident surnamed Gray discovered that the damp soil conditions on the ground floor of the vacant building were ideal for growing mushrooms. However, shortly after starting his business, the building was destroyed by fire and the ruins, except the smokestack, were torn down. 

Not long after the fire, the Vaughan Seed Company started what became a nationwide mail order business. This resulted in their expanding from just 5 greenhouses to 26, some of which were situated on the site of the old factory. Click on second small photo above to see Vaughan’s as it appeared in 1926.  Note the smokestack standing to the right.

During the ensuing decades, Vaughan’s opened more modern facilities in other cities and closed its greenhouses on Hillgrove in 1951. However, in 1954, the acquired the property and built its first swimming pool on the site. And, in 1962, a second pool was added (Click on third small photo above).