A Miraculous Transformation

While John Atwater’s name may not be familiar to most current-day residents, he played a key role in Western Springs’ early development. In 1877, he and his wife, Emma, built a home at 4337 Grand Avenue (first photo, left). During the ensuing years, John established the Vive Camera Company, which employed more than 100 local residents. It manufactured and sold box cameras and other photographic equipment throughout the United States.

In addition to his business endeavors, Atwater was very interested in religion. In fact, he helped organize the Missionary Baptist Church. By 1895, he had built a small frame church, just a little north of the Village’s historic Water Tower (first photo, right). On weekdays, he ran the camera company and on Sundays he preached at his church.

Due to increased competition from Kodak and other large firms, Vive Camera Company closed its doors around 1910. And, in 1914, there was an apparent division among his church members, which led to the eventual dissolution of the congregation. Some left to join the Congregational Church, while others joined the Western Springs Baptist Church.

By 1915, the church building had been acquired by John’s sister, Jane Atwater. Over the next several years, she had it converted it into a residence and moved it to 4351 Grand Avenue, just a short distance south of its original location. Not only were the church’s tower and steeple removed, the roofline and windows were completely re-worked. Second photo.

After the closure of his camera business and dissolution of his church, John Atwater and his wife left Western Springs, moving to Chicago. While his large home at 4337 Grand Avenue would eventually become a teardown, the former church building at 4351 Grand continued to serve as a private residence. And, in 1991, large dormers were added to the front and rear, the final step in a truly miraculous transformation! Third photo.

Each week, the Western Springs Historical Society presents a “Blast from the Past”. To view prior stories, visit us at www.westernspringshistory.org or just click on the author’s name shown above.

Photos:

Missionary Baptist Church (right) – circa 1895

4351 Grand Avenue – circa 1975

4351 Grand Avenue - 2015