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Nelson, Ruben N. and Stella

Ruben N. Nelson rented the converted old Lutheran school (today’s Franzosenbusch Prairie House) for his wife Stella and their daughters. Ruben was the Office Manager & Time Keeper for the Westchester project.  Stella often told the story, with a twinkle in her eyes, about a bootlegger's offer to give her a new fur coat if she would let him store booze in her barn.

 The Nelson’s rented this old school house for about four years until they were able to move to a new two flat building at 1423 Newcastle Avenue, Westchester, Illinois from the school house location.

Ruben Nelson worked many years in the village in several roles.  In 1927 he was the Village Clerk.  Later he was named Village Manager and then elected Village President in 1937.

Village Clerk Ruben N. Nelson stands next to the Village Hall in 1931.  Beside him are Village President Grant N. Britten and Village Magistrate Wesley E. Panttila.

(Photo by Charles Field.)

 

Stella Nelson was also an active participant in the community.  She served as president of the Westchester PTA--1934-35.  In 1949 Stella, along with the Charles and Jo Field and other individuals, participated in the creation of the Westchester Community Church in 1949.  Both Stella and Ruben held positions on various Boards of the Westchester Community Church.

Stella was also actively involved in the formation of the Westchester Senior Citizen organization in Westchester.  It was supported by the Lesak family in the name of Westchester Savings and Loan and meetings were held in what I know as the "Westchester Savings and Loan Association" location.  The building space is now occupied by Dunkin Donuts on Mannhein Road.


Last Modified:  01/19/2002