September Dates in Wheaton’s History

September

9/6/1943
Adams Park was officially turned over to the City of Wheaton as a bequest from the late Katherine Adams Wells. John Quincy Adams (the fourth cousin, twice removed of the nation’s sixth president), Katherine’s father, built a house across the street from the Adams Memorial Library in what is now known as Adams Park and resided there from 1876 until 1942. Upon Katharine’s death in 1942 she willed that the house be torn down and the park permanently bequeathed to the people of Wheaton. Landscape architect, Annette Hoyt Flanders, remodeled the property creating the park now located across from the museum. Today Adams Park is the only city-owned park in Wheaton. (from the DuPage County Historical Museum webpage)

9/11/2001
"Let's roll!" - Todd Beamer, Wheaton College graduate and an American hero, died aboard United Airlines flight 93 while flying over Pennsylvania on September 11th. He and fellow passengers foiled hijackers plans to reach another target which some believe was the US Capital

9/14/1918
Death of George P. Kull in WW1 aerial action over Preny, France. He posted as one of the original squadron members of the 13th Aero in July, 1918. He was shot down by Ltn. Hans Mueller (10 victories). George was the first combat fatality of the 13th Aero Squadron. George Kull is buried at the US cemetery in Thiacourt, France.

9/15/1941
Billy Graham, became a minister of the United Gospel Tabernacle in Wheaton

9/17/1838
Marriage of Jonathan Blanchard, abolitionist and President of Wheaton College, and Mary Avery Bent, principal of the Girls' High School in Harrisburg, PA. They had twelve children, one of whom, Charles Blanchard was president of Wheaton College 1882 to 1925

9/23/1963
Chicago Tribune published a letter written by Theilgaard Watts sharing her vision for a trail, in the place of the abandoned Chicago, Aurora & Elgin Railroad (CA&E) tracks. This letter inspired volunteers and gained public support in the way of donations giving birth to the Prairie Path. It was the first National Trail in Illinois and stretches from Cook County to Wheaton branching out in a “Y” going northeast to Wayne and southwest to Aurora.

9/26/1945
Birth of Robert Foulis, golf great and golf course designer, in St. Andrews, Scotland. He is frequently referred to as the greatest authority on club-making and green-construction. He is buried in Wheaton Cemetery.

9/1940
Billy Graham, Evangelist and friend to many presidents, arrived at Wheaton College. He is considered “among the most influential Christian leaders of the 20th century”