From the "Village of Westchester -- 1925-1975 -- Golden Jubilee", 1976.

A Bit of Westchester History

(Third in a series)

The first elevated train came to Westchester over the Aurora and Elgin Track on October 1, 1926.  Those who worked on the extension of the third rail lived in the Grant N. Britten Camp, a camp which Mr. Britten had built especially for the workmen.

Although the coming of the "El" did facilitate transportation to the Loop, it marked the end of the shuttle car that made connections between Westchester and the Aurora and Elgin Line in Bellwood. Mrs. Stella C. Nelson, one of the original residents of the Village, stated that the car nick-named "Dinky", and that it was a passenger car smaller than an "El" car that ran along a single track from Warren Ave. in Bellwood to the corner of Roosevelt and Wolf Roads.  That made it easy for people...

The Great Depression

In 1929 the Great Depression struck and brought Westchester's progress to an abrupt halt.  The tree-lined streets and sidewalks became overgrown with weeds.  When the depression hit Westchester all building stopped, not to be resumed until 1940 when all the back taxes and overdue contract payments had been made, giving Westchester a clear title.

Those strong pioneers of Westchester did not despair when the depression came, however.   In 1928 they formed the first organization in Westchester -- the Westchester Boosters Club, Inc.  In 1930 this club dissolved and merged with the Community Club, which was a social club that met in the members homes for relaxtion and conversation.  The club sponsored Christmas parties, dances, and picnics.

The year 1930 also marked the beginning of the Westchester Womens' Club.  In its very beginning the club had a membership of 14 women.  Under the leadership of Miss Cecelia Peebles, the club's first president, the group worked hard to fulfill their motto, "To Help One Another."  By 1931 the club had become affiliated with both the District and State Federation of Womens Clubs.  The local club joined the General Federation in 1938.

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Last Modified:  02/18/2005