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Newspaper
Oak Park Vindicator
Location
Oak Park, Illinois, United States of America
Date
Oct 27, 1899
Page
2
The Vindicator reports from Chicago on October 27, 1899. Austin’s status as the 35th ward fuels talk of annexation with mixed political and social implications. Elevators and transport debates, local officials’ plans, and a failed South Chicago newspaper venture frame a broader push to join Chicago.
The text suggests Austin should annex the western town with shared parks boulevards and residents. County commissioners are urged to decide in favor, indicating a common local governance alignment and potential regional integration.
The Supreme Court faces a case about city annexation and who may vote. The issue centers on whether residents can join a city without the consent of those already living there under current law.
Debates rise over whether officers elected last spring meet qualifications, notably those from the annexed territory. Former clerk Drent pushes the issue and may seek reinstatement, risking further complications.
President Lewis informed the mayor that all officers have been discharged. Petitions circulate to demand retaining the Austin policemen and firemen on the city force.
The action of Bishop Hurst in transferring Dr. Burns from Oak Park opposed by two thirds of the board and a large church majority is criticized as autocratic and an abuse of power, un American and against democratic liberty.
The piece gauges varied views on Austin becoming part of Chicago, noting downtown indifference from nonparticipants and strong opinions from engaged residents. It observes annexation was driven by politics for some and fears minority voices being overridden for others, while predicting west side expansion toward the Des Plaines River.
Citizens question Chicago Gas Trust plans to extend pipes into Austin arguing the move harms the city, serves only to hurt the Cicero company, and sacrifices streets for corporate greed. The public denounces the trust as behaviorally hostile and urges caution given existing gas coverage gaps.
Reducing to prices when no competition is threatened and a further cut on Jan 1 will align with the trust price. The stance argues against tearing up streets already improved at high cost to keep rates stable.
L. S. Pinney, coal merchant of Austin, with wife and daughter Mrs. Dr. A. S. Seleck, traveled Tuesday to Wisconsin by boat to Milwaukee then rail to Oconomowoc. They fished Lake La Belle with John Hilman, editor of Evening Wisconsin, landing an eight pound pickerel and a seven pound bass. They attended a reunion for Mrs. Anna Homrighausen, sister of Mrs. Pinney, at Concord, and returned to Milwaukee before heading home.
The Limekiln Club of Oak Park plans a benefit program for the Harlem Library Association with sketches vocal and instrumental numbers and star appearances. Events are Library Hall Harlem on Oct 31 and Kenilworth Hall Oak Park on Nov 1 with Oak Park residents and several paired performers listed. Tickets are 25 cents at Harlem Bank.
The Oak Park Magazine Club met October 23 at the Townsend residence with a large turnout. Mrs J G MacMurphy gave a lecture on The Miniature in Art, complemented by paintings and engravings. Officers were elected and a season plan of three lectures, two musicales, and a New Year reception was approved. The next meeting is set for November 6.
Members and guests of the George Rogers Clark Chapter D A R assembled at Mrs A F Stocke's residence for an afternoon program. Rev Dr Barton spoke on maintaining ties with the past through patriotic societies, marking the Cornwallis surrender anniversary with a patriotic talk and musical selections. Refreshments followed as guests departed satisfied with the event.
The Austin Chess Club began its third season on October 19 with a business meeting. Officers elected: President N. Gallup, vice president T. H. Wilson, secretary N. Nelsons, referee J. M. Crook. Next meeting scheduled for November 2 at 7:30 PM at Mrs. N. Gallup's home.
The Cicero Town Board in Cook county schedules a meeting at the corner of Lombard avenue and Lake street on Monday Oct 23 1899 at 8 oclock p m. The agenda covers annexation matters with Chicago Austin territory, officer accommodations, and district jurisdiction changes.
The Philadelphia Transcript lauds Filson and Errol for direct forceful comedy in a sketch by young Cohan. It notes their long service in the continuous show and their ability to evoke mirth with exaggerated rage and farcical realism. Mr. and Mrs. A. W. Filson, Austin residents, are praised for their ongoing success.
The Beethoven Club held its first regular meeting October 24 in the assembly room of the First Congregational church in Austin. Miss Maud Jones played piano, Kenard Barradel sang, and Joseph Chapech played violin from the Thomas orchestra. The church was beautifully decorated and filled with music lovers. refreshments followed and the program received strong praise.
The First Congregational Church held a reception Monday evening October 23 in honor of Rev and Mrs Demorest twentieth wedding anniversary. F W Meadows gave an appropriate address. Mrs C W McNabb performed and recited with a quartet. About 150 guests attended and enjoyed refreshments and social time.
The Sopers School of Oratory of Chicago presents an entertainment in Library Hall Austin on Monday evening Oct 30 for the new Methodist Church. Admission 25 cents, reserved seats 35 cents. It promises a rare treat at a moderate price and benefits a good cause.
The ladies will hear delegates' reports from the State Federation at the next meeting Monday afternoon October 30. A reception will be held Friday evening October 27 in the Congregational Church parlors, aimed to be a premier social event of the club year.
The drug store of J. P. Garner & Co. is now an antitoxin station for Austin under the city health department. Dr. C. K. Hummiston is named local representative to oversee vaccination of school children.
News notes list visitors and moves including Miss Josephine Taylor visiting aunt Mrs Ward Rev Burns and wife traveling to Aurora Illinois, Mrs Lord’s house rented on Clinton avenue Tra Clark and wife move to 234 South boulevard, J Schueler returns from Germany trip, Rev Henry Rasmus new pastor to preach next Sunday, Carmichael's restaurant moving to 130 Lake street, Lavina Holland Caldwell marriage announced, Junior Endeavor entertainment held October 27 with praised sales by Mrs Hypes and Mr Smith.
Public school teachers from Austin Oak Park and Cook County attend a two day session of the Northern Illinois Teachers Association in DeKalb on Friday and Saturday October 27 and 28.
The Euclid Avenue Methodist Church ladies announce a bazaar at the corner of Euclid Avenue and Washington Boulevard on Friday afternoon and evening, November 3, featuring a wide range of Christmas gifts for sale.
Notice that shelving counters and showcases owned by A Jacobs at 243 North Park Avenue Austin will be sold on November 13 for storage charges unless redeemed earlier. DR R C Newell.
Goods of George D. Herbert will be sold for charges on November 10, 1899 if not redeemed. Mrs J Mack 221 Baird.
An exceptionally fine bazaar to benefit St. Catharine's Church will run Oct. 23 to 28 in St. Catharine's Hall at Washington boulevard and Park avenue. Children's afternoon is Oct. 26. Sale items include beautiful and useful holiday gifts, confectionery, and refreshments. Evenings feature a literary and musical programme. all are invited.
L. Vihon the popular tailor has rented the store room at 113 North Park Avenue and will move in next week. He offers a full line of goods and a reputation for a perfect fit, urging customers to wait for his full-service offerings.
Advert reads that Dr Kings New Life Pills quickly end throbbing headaches and cure sick and nervous headaches by purifying blood and strengthening nerves. Easy to take with a 25 cent price and money back guarantee. Fold by Traill and Cooling and Chas P Miller, druggists.
In winter 1897 James Reed of Clay West Virginia bruised his leg on ice. After crutches, doctors, liniments, and whisky baths failed, Chamberlain’s Pain Balm brought a near full recovery in a week. Traill & Cooling sell the remedy.
The Vindicator notes thrifty and enterprising practices of home merchants, praising their stewardship and community role. It underscores how local shops support daily life and the economy through careful management and service.
McIntyre and Ruxton, an Austin and West Chicago coal firm, offer high grade Lehigh and Lackawanna coal at very competitive prices. They guarantee full weights on their scales and handle about 6,000 tons yearly. Austin yard near Fifty-second and Kinzie. Chicago yard at Lake Street. Telephone numbers listed.
Miss BE M Gilbreath, pupil of Rob ert Henri in Paris and Philadelphia School of Design for Women, and Smith's Art Academy of Chicago, opens a studio in the Cody block 105 South Central avenue. Freehand drawing and painting in oils water colors and on china offered. Studio open to visitors Saturdays afternoons.
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