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Public Tl. WINNETKA A Clean Newspaper for a Clean Community YOL XI XIII, NO. 37 WINNETKA, ILLINOIS, SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 1924 TWENTY-SIX PAGES PRICE FIVE CENTS BIG PROJECTS NOW COMPLETED Linden Street Widening and Chestnut Court Improve- ment Carried Through VILLAGE KEEPS WORD Old Linden Street Now a Broad Thoroughfare About a year ago WINNETKA TALK announced a civic improvement the municipal authorities purposed to carry through within a period of twelve months. Unmistakable evidence of the good faith of the officials is found in the Chestnut court and Linden street wid- ening improvement, recently completed. It was a big job, accomplished in the allotted time principally because of the smoothly efficient operation of the vari- ous contracts under the strict and con- stant supervision of the municipal engi- neers and inspectors. Remarkable Change Where unsightly buildings, rubbish and disorder appeared in the heart of the Elm street business area a year ago, there is today a broad thorough- fare skirted by modern buildings and an expensive park; as well as an attrac- tive mall--known as Chestnut court--ex- tending from Chestnut street on the west to Linden street on the east. Linden street has been widened 42 feet between Oak and Elm streets, and a first-class pavement laid. On the east side of this section of the thoroughfare is the Station park; on the west side most of the ground has been cleared of debris and the balance soon will be removed, leaving a clean surface from Rapp's Market to Oak street. This prop- erty all belongs to the village. Plan Becomes Reality Back to the west of Linden street and facing on the east side of Chestnut street, an equally important improve- ment has been made. This is also a part of the "Winnetka Beautiful" plan, as described in the Winnetka Plan Book. This open court or mall, which has been named Chestnut court, consists of a wide central parkway or lawn with an 18 foot street leading from Chestnut street on one side and passing out again to Chestnut street on the other side of the parkway. Narrow driveways also enter Chestnut court from Elm street on the north and from Oak street on the south. Later there will also be built a passageway for pedestrians directly from Linden street to Chestnut street through Chestnut court. Nine-foot side- walks will be laid early in the spring. Chestnut court will provide new busi- ness frontage on both sides for several shops. The appearance and design of these shops will be controlled under an agreement between the village property owners, every effort being made to make the court attractive and in accordance with the Winnetka Plan. European Chestnut trees have already been planted along each side. These trees have a spreading growth which will soon pro- duce excellent shade. Land Deeded to Village Chestnut court cost the village nothing for the land, although it is very valu- able. The land was deeded to the vil- lage by the property owners who also pay for sanitary sewers and water mains. By the carrying through of this Chestnut court project, an important part of the Winnetka Plan has been realized at a very small cost to the vil- lage and many years ahead of the antici- pated time. It will be remembered that a former plan of the council was to acquire the Chestnut court area by con- demnation at a considerable cost, hold- ing it as a village storage yard until such time as finances would warrant a more aesthetic use. The improvement has been made at so low a cost, how- ever, that funds were available for a village service yard elsewhere. According to the Winnetka Plan, the proposed municipal building is to be located on the west side of Linden street between Oak and Elm streets in the vacant space now provided. This building will house the offices of all the municipal departments. STILL THEY SPEED Among the violators of the automo- bile regulations fined by Justice B. A. Nelson and Magistrate C. T. Northrop this week were Martin Maki, Wauke- gan, parking without lights, $5 and costs; Lester Armour, speeding, $20 and costs, F. G. Alexander, speeding, $10 and costs; Michael Seviemma, speeding, $10 and costs. NEXT WEEK IN WINNETKA Calendar of events in Winnetka for week of November 24, as record- ed at the office of Community House Monday, November 24 -- Weekly meeting of Christ Church Guild in afternoon. Tuesday, November 25--The fourth of Rev. James Austin Richards' morning lectures, in the Neighbor- hood room of Community House. Wednesday, November 26--Food sale of Thanksgiving things at Christ Church Parish House. Thanksgiving observance by Specia] exercises in all schools. Thursday, November 27--Thanks- giving Day. Union Thanksgiving Day service in Congregational church at 11 o'clock. Rev. E. Ashley Ger- hard will preach. Friday, November 28--Rotary club luncheon in Community House at noon. Hubbard Woods school in evening. North Shore Congregation. Events may be reported to the Community House office to have them included in this weekly calendar. Re- ports must be in not later than Thurs- day morning for publication in the current issue of WINNETKA TALK. URGES SERVICE T0 COMMUNITY Expert Tells Young People to Do Their Part By M. S. K. The last meeting of the Winnetka.Sun- day Evening club was a most interest- ing.one. After the supper, an informal business meeting was called and every- one present was asked to present ideas as to the future policy of the club. Many helpful suggestions were made and a general discussion of plans fol- lowed. No definite action was taken as Presi- dent David Lasier was absent, but the majority seemed to favor a serious aim for the club, as well as social enjoy- ment and opportunities for fellowship. After the discussion, Stanley Simpson introduced Prof. William I. Bailey, of the Department of Psychology at North- western university, who gave an inter- esting talk on Winnetk a and its future. From a survey made last year, Prof. Bailey said he became well acqueinted with Winnetka's achievements in the past and found, as well, that the com- munity was facing new and important problems. He praised Winnetka's spirit of de- mocracy . and neighborliness and con- gratulated the village upon its pos- session of Community House, but em- (Continued on page 6) Voters League Captains Aid Red Cross Roll Call The Red Cross Roll Call is taking the form of a house-to-house canvass in Winnetka, under the direction of Mrs. Willoughby Walling, general chairman, through the aid of the block captain organization of the League of Women Voters. The precinct captains in charge of the canvass are Mrs. Warren Shoemaker, Mrs. Frank Solomon, Mrs. Robert Mehren, Miss Elizabeth Gemmill, Mrs. Theodore Coyne, Mrs. H. S. DelLey, Mrs. Montague Ferry, Mrs. E. S. Rogers, Mrs. Roger Sherman, Mrs. C. E. Merhope, Mrs. Charles Strong, and Mrs. Ryerson Gates. The Roll Call is being held until November 27. Residents are asked to have their names on the membership list before that date. Clarence Schafe- han is the local American Legion repre- sentative on the campaign organization. Plan Thanksgiving Feast for Great Lakes Disabled Winnetka Post No. 10, of the American Legion, in cooperation with the Lilac Tea Room, will give a Thanksgiving dinner to as many dis- abled veterans of the Great Lakes hospital as can be accommodated at the local eating place next Thursday. A more detailed plan of the Thanks- giving dinner for the disabled veterans will be made at the meeting of the Legion to be held Monday night at headquarters in Community House. DEADLINE ADVANCED Because of the Thanks- giving holiday next week, all news and advertising copy for the issue of Wix- NETKA TALk of Saturday, November 29, must be in the TALk offices not later than Wednesday noon, November 26. WATCH OUT FOR THESE FELLOWS! Legion Warns Against Uni- formed Solicitors Don't encourage solicitors who ap- pear at your dorstep representing them- selves as ex-service men. That is the word sent out by the Winnetka Post of the American Legion, this week, to every householder in the village. "Fyvery disabled ex-service man is en- titled to compensation as high as $80 per month if his claim is legitimate," the Legion explains, "and there is no necessity for preying upon the sympa- thies of the householder. Send Him to the Legion "If a man appears at your rear door with a tale of woe and presents his discharge," continues the statement, "re- fer him to the Commander of Winnetka Post of the American Legion--Thomas J. Lynch, No. 2 Prouty Annex--and if he is really in need of assistance the legion will see that he is properly cared for. Winnetka Post has always stood as a firm friend of the disabled veterans and has taken care of several claims of men who have showed themselves to be worthy of aid, but the Legion wants to bring before the people of Winnetka worthy ex-service men to go begging or playing upon the sympathies of the public. In this connection the Legion also calls attention to the fact that packages of pencils are being distributed through the mails by an enterprise, designated as the National Disabled Soldiers League, Inc., with the request that the recipient retain the pencils and mail one dollar to the league. Upon investigation of this matter the Post finds that the National Disabled Soldiers league is not recognized and, further, that the United States District Attorney is interested in geting at the source of this very apparent fraud. Beware "Sob Stuff" Persons who receive the pencils and accompanying "sob literature" will help the Legion by communicating at once with Commander Thomas J. Lynch, No. 2, Prouty Annex, and at the same time designate him as their agent to notify the United States District At- torney of the action taken. Also, with the holiday season near at hand, the Legion calls attention to the prevalence of Christmas card solicitors, many of whom will doubtless appear on the streets in soldier garb with the plea for patriotic sympathy, While the Le- gion is obviously not objecting to the sale of Christmas cards, it does object to having the solicitors employ the uni- form of the United States army in working upon the sympathies of the public. The Legion wishes to dis- courage this practice. Help 4a young woman to get a College Education! SITUATION WANTED--YOUNG woman, Northwestern student, as companion after class hrs, in exch. for rm., board, small compens. Address Wilmette Life 378. A Want Ad will get you whatever you want Dead Line for Classified Ads Next Week TUESDAY NOON the "fact that there isi no need for! UNION SERVICES HERE ON THANKSGIVING DAY Thanksgiving Day will be celebrated by Winnetka citizens, in response to the proclamation of President Cool- idge, at a Community service of wor- ship. Observations will be held this year in the Congregational church, at 10:30 o'clock. Rev. E. Ashley Gerhard, rector of Christ church, will be the preacher, and the music will be given by a quartet choir and the girls' chor- us, under the direction of F. William Fleer. The Thanksgiving offering at this service will be given to the United Charities of Chicago. "This is one of the great events of the year in the life of every American citizen," reads an announcement of the services. "It will become truly great in the hearts of those who rec- ognize God in the world. This Com- munity service is the public opportun- ity for all people to join in praise and thanksiving. Plan your day to include attendance at this morning service." CARRY GIFTS TO CHURCH TODAY Paul Hutchinson Speaks at Evening Service A Harvest Home Festival will be the special feature of the Church School service tomorrow morning at the Win- netka Congregational church. Gifts for this occasion are to be brought to the church this afternoon before 3 o'clock, in order that they may be properly arranged for the festival ser- vice Sunday morning, which begins at 9:30 o'clock. All members 'of the school and the aris are asked to share in this of- ring of "all the fruits of the eatth" --apples, pears, pumpkins, potatoes, squash and the like, and canned fruits and vegetables of all kinds, which are to be sent to a worthy Chicago institution. Any who find it impossi- ble to bring gifts today may add them Sunday morning, it is announced Thanksgiving Sermon The Thanksgiving spirit will be the inspiration also of the church service of worship at 11 o'clock. Rev. James Austin Richards wil preach on the topic, "The Bonds of Gratitude." The Young Peoples' club, meeting at 7 o'clock in the Neighborhood room, will continue the discussion of two weeks ago about "The Church and the school." Helen Brown will be the leader. The evening services planned for November are having valuable ad- dresses by local men who are experts in their special lines. At 8 o'clock, Paul Hutchinson, managing editor of the Christian Century, will speak on the subject, "An American Policy in China." (Continued on page 4) "Heart" Tag Day Brings $155 in Winnetka Drive "Heart Day" receipts when checked up by Miss Harriet A. Childs who took charge of the Volunteers of America tag day held in Winnetka last Saturday, totaled the sum of $155.45. The children worked faithfully from early in the morning until the close of day and those interested in the drive were deeply grateful to all who helped in any way to make the enter- prise successful. At the close of the "contest" it was found that Betty Barroll was entitled to the first prize having secured for her tags $16.59. The second was won by Anna Blow who had $13.65. The thirl winner was Betty Sunderlin with $12.25. Thirteen other children were made happy with movie passes. Henry R. Hale Visits Son at Washington, D. C. Henry R. Hale, president of the Winnetka State Bank, is spending 2 few days in Washington, D. C., with his son, Capt. Fraser Hale who has been an officer with the U. S. Air forces. Captain Hale has recently been ap- pointed a military aide at the White House. RUBBISH FIRE The fire department was called to put out a rubbish fire at "Crow Is- land" in the Skokie Wednesday after- noon. BOARD VOTES TO PURCHASE LAND Park District Will Proceed to Acquire 60-Acre Tract In the Skokie NUMEROUS OBJECTORS M. K. Meyer Speaks Against Assessment The Board of Local Improvements of the Winnetka Park district, James A. White, president. voted on Monday cve- ning of this week, to proceed with the acquisition of 60 acres of land in the Skokie to be added to the Village park system. Action of the board came at the con- clusion of an adjourned public hearing in Rudolph Matz hall of Community House, at which the proposed purchase of additional park properties by special assessment proceedings was discussed. Enlarges Playfield The land in question comprises 20 acres situated west of Crow Island, and 40 acres west of Hibbard road and north of Willow street. This land adjoins the Skokie Playfield Golf course and: is contemplated to add to the facilities of that municipal recreation center. Objection to the proposed acquisition of the Skokie property was directed prin- cipally at the announced method to be employed in defraying the cost of the purchase, namely, that of special assess- ment proceedings. This was brought out forcefully by M. K. Meyer, president of the Winnetka Winnetka's pioneer residents Remained Within Income In the past, Mr. Meyer emphasized, park properties have customarily ac- quired through the floating of bond is- sues. It was the understanding of the Park district at the time of its incep- tion, he said, never to exceed its income and to remain within the limits of its bonding power, so that it should never become a burdensome taxing body. Mr. Meyer called attention to the valu- able services rendered by men and wom- en on Winnetka public bodies and ex- pressed the desire to cooperate in every way in civic advancement projects. He reviewed the history of the Win- netka Park district, citing the acquisi- tions of various park properties. The triangular tract just west of the Elm street station was purchased about 25 years ago from Mrs. Matchett, before the Park district had been established, he said. In fact, a group of citizens made possible this acquisition, since the Park district could not be created with- in the 90-day option period, and it was necessary to appoint a trustee--Mrs. Bertha De Windt--to whom loans were made in amounts of $50 and $100. After the district was formed these loans were repaid from the income. The property was purchased at a cost of $5,100. Feared Tax Burden There was determined opposition to the forming of a Park district, Mr. Meyer recalled, because the property owners felt that it would only create another taxing body. To date, he emphasized, the board has lived within its income. Another instance cited to show how park properites were acquired was that of the block north of the Skokie school site, purchased in the name of H. A. De Windt and Father Haarth, and paid for from the Park district's income. The bonds issue procedure was employed in the purchase of the Lake Front, Skokie Playfield and Elder lane park proper- ties, it was explained, the only exceptions to this method being in the instance of the Hubbard Woods and Indian Hill station parks, which were acquired by special assessment because of the fact that they represented localized benefits, in the districts in which they are located. Enough Assessments Now "The Village is capable of giving us all the special assessments we can fi- nancially digest," was Mr. Meyer's con- cluding remark. "Let the Park district continue to live within its income and not add to the tax burden of the com- munity." It was stated at the meeting that those opposing the acquisition of the 60 acres in the Skokie by the special assessment procedure, were in possession of a huge petition of protest bearing some 700 names. This petition was not pre- sented at the hearing, it was stated, since it was feared the Park district members were determined, in any event, to push the Skokie purchase project. 55 Trust and Savings bank and one of