The Enduring Lore of an Iconic Water Tower

The water tower has not been used for its original and named purpose for exactly two decades this month. Yet, in a town celebrating its quasquicentennial, the 119-year-old building holds a special sort of fame. Does anybody know why?

Well, no.

However, there is one way to search for answers, and that is through a study of available evidence. In this case, that means delving into the history of the water tower.

With thanks to the Western Springs Historical Society for providing information on the history of the water tower, this is a hypothesis that explains why the water tower is one of the most beloved facets of Western Springs:

The tower’s creation is the most logical place to start. It was erected in 1892, 119 years ago, and longevity is a simple way to explain its fame.

However, something must have happened in those 119 years to place it in the hearts of Western Springs residents. The answer is, as the town grew, the water tower was at the middle of it all.

It holds a central position in the town’s geography and Tower Green, the triangular plot of land surrounding it, is in the middle of the downtown businesses with its location on Hillgrove Ave. next to the train tracks.

It also was the operational center of the town, hosting the village offices, police department, and court. The basement was even said to serve as a jail for the town’s few criminals.

By the time the government functions moved to a new building in 1968, the water tower was ingrained in the identity of the town.

Therefore, it made sense to put a new museum in the first two floors of the tower in 1970 and to add the Children’s Museum in 1995. This way, the history of Western Springs is preserved in a building that has watched over nearly all of it.

The tower no longer holds water, but it has a full time job as the symbol of its town.

There is the Tower Trot, “Tower Topics,” and “A Village of Towering Character.” In addition to word play, the likeness of the tower graces logos and banners across town.

If the words “Western Springs” are applied to Google Images, the water tower is the first hit. If the same words are entered into Google Maps or MapQuest, Tower Green is the destination point.

In a relatively small community, the building is something big that can represent everyone. It was a huge investment in the 1890s, and now it belongs to everyone in town.

Western Springs loves its water tower because the building is something extraordinary that the town can call its own, even while sitting between its often attention-grabbing neighbors. The beautiful piece of architecture towers over its quiet suburban home, and all the while, it stands as a 112.5 foot representation of pure and proud Western Springs.

Timeline of the water tower’s history

1892 After the village decided to build the water tower, Charles and Ruth Collins donate Block A to become a park containing the water tower. Block A is later named Tower Green.

Benezette Williams and Edgar Williams lead the design and construction of the water tower and a system for pumping water, including wells and a pumping station. The combined cost is $79,119.10.

1937 A new steel holding tank for water replaces the old one. It holds 169,000 gallons of water, 36,000 more than the original.

1968 The government offices move out of the water tower.

1970 The Western Springs Historical Museum opens.

1981 The National Park Service, a subsection of the U. S. Department of the Interior, lists the water tower on the National Register of Historic Places.

1991 The tower is damaged when lightening strikes it and starts a fire. Most of the artifacts in the museum are saved, but the water tank is damaged and will no longer hold water.

1995 The Children’s Museum is opened on the third floor of the tower.