Western Springs’ Restaurants of Yesteryear

In June 1928, Margaret Williams opened the Garden Gate Tea House at Ogden & Harvey “on the edge of the Forest Preserve.” According to news accounts in the Western Springs Historical Society archives, the restaurant featured a sign with green lanterns, as well as a winding drive which led to the white cottage, complete with bright awnings. In addition to its many menu items, the cottage sold fresh cut flowers (roses were $1.50 per dozen). And, every June/July, it offered a wide selection of (then legal) fireworks, e.g., 144 firecrackers for just 25¢. 

Perhaps inspired by the previous venture, Mrs. Tom Harwood opened another popular dining spot just 18 months later. Her self-described “dainty and discriminating” Flower Shop Tea Room was located at 4464 Lawn Avenue. Sharing a suite with the Ethel Dana Flower Shop, the tearoom served daily lunch, as well as afternoon tea. Click on second small image above to view one of her ads.

While the previous eateries did not offer breakfast, Stone’s Café served all three meals, operating from 6:30 am until 10:30 pm. It was located at 817 Burlington in the Potter Building, which still stands today. Click on the third image above to view one of their ads, which featured a special 7-course Sunday chicken dinner for just 75¢.

Another local dining option during the late 1920’s and early 1930’s was Pfrengle’s Restaurant located at 824 Hillgrove, today the home of Prudential American Realty. According to news accounts from that period, “every article on the menu bears the stamp of Miss Pfrengle’s home cooking”. Click on fourth small image to view one of her ads.

The Harwood Tea House, located at Burlington & Grand, was also a popular spot in the early 1930’s, serving both lunch and dinner daily. The owner was also an early user of cause-related marketing as evidenced by one of their ads, which informed customers that one menu item was “prepared with apples purchased from the Infant Welfare Society at full retail price”. Also, be sure to read their ad entitled “A Tip To Husbands” by clicking on fifth image above.

We will be featuring retrospectives of other, more recent village restaurants in a future Patch article.