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DRAFT DAY DREAM Landon Thome gets the call from the White Sox

INSIDE: ZOOK'S LASTING LEGACY CHICAGOLAND: THE QUIET GOLF CAPITAL

You’ve Come to the Right Place UChicago Medicine AdventHealth Hinsdale has earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval® as a Certified Comprehensive Stroke Center. This recognition reflects our commitment to provide advanced, specialized care for even the most complex stroke cases, helping patients receive medical attention and support when it matters most. • Rapid diagnosis and treatment when every minute counts • Coordinated care from emergency treatment through recovery • Nationally recognized stroke expertise, close to home

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Preserving the Past When the owners of an early-1900s Hinsdale home decided it was time to replace their windows, they weren’t looking to change the character of their house. In fact, preserving it was one of their biggest priorities. The home’s wood windows contributed to its historic aesthetic, but they also required regular painting and upkeep. The homeowners wanted an alternative that would be easier to maintain while still looking appropriate for a home more than a century old. They turned to Woodland Windows & Doors, where Matt Mariotti helped them find a solution that balanced old and new. The homeowners selected bronze Infinity by Marvin fiberglass windows with custom-bent aluminum trim. The project also included a TruStile front entry door. Fiberglass offered an important practical advantage: unlike the home’s wood windows, the new windows won’t require continual painting and are resistant to rot. But the details were equally important. To help retain the appearance of the original windows, Woodland incorporated simulated divided lights that preserved the grille pattern. The new windows also feature double-pane insulated glass, adding modern energy efficiency without dramatically changing the home’s exterior appearance.

After

Before “The goal isn’t to make an older home look new,” said Mariotti. “It’s to introduce modern performance while respecting what makes the home distinctive.” For the homeowners, the finished project provides the benefits they were seeking while maintaining the character that initially drew them to the home. One of the things we love most about our home is its character, so we wanted to work with someone that understood that, said Craig B., one of the homeowners. “We wanted that historic feel but eliminate some of the upkeep. Woodland provided a phenomenal experience during the sales and installation process.” The result is less about transforming an old house than thoughtfully updating it: preserving the details of the past while making the home easier to live with for years to come.

Before After

Woodland Windows & Doors 25W355 Lake St, Roselle, Illinois 17W490 22nd St, Oakbrook Terrace 630-869-1450 | www.woodlandwindows.com

GOT IT STILL

Expert Ortho Care You know how much effort you put into making that shot look effortless. Even as you get older, you’re still on your game. And that’s because you can rely on orthopedic expertise at UChicago Medicine AdventHealth. When it comes to supporting you in doing the things you love, our Center for Advanced Joint Replacement team is cheering you on with the latest surgical innovations, treatments and therapies designed to help you stay on top. To learn more and to schedule an appointment, visit ChicagolandOrthoExperts.com

LETTER from THE PUBLISHER

Inside This Issue

his September/October issue of Hinsdale Magazine begins with a story that connects one of baseball’s best-known families with a new generation.

Burr Ridge resident Landon Thome was selected 34th overall by the Chicago White Sox in the 2026 MLB Draft. The Nazareth Academy graduate played four years of varsity baseball, helped the Roadrunners win the 2023 Class 3A state championship and was named Gatorade Illinois Baseball Player of the Year. His selection by the White Sox also brings the story full circle: his father, Hall of Famer Jim Thome, played for the Sox from 2006 to 2009 and now serves as a special assistant to the team’s general manager. HINSDALEMAG.COM

September also marks the 65th anniversary of TWA Flight 529. On September 1, 1961, the plane took off from Midway Airport and crashed minutes later in what was then unincorporated Clarendon Hills. All 73 passengers and five crew members were killed. Our story looks back at the tragedy through local accounts, including the recollections of Frank Trout, who was a 17-year-old volunteer firefighter called to the scene that night.

SERVING HINSDALE, BURR RIDGE & CLARENDON HILLS

CELEBRATING 15 YEARS OF PUBLISHING

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Another piece of Hinsdale history is the work of architect R. Harold Zook, who designed approximately 34 homes and commercial buildings in the village and influenced the architectural character of downtown. The Hinsdale Historical Society is now raising $1.5 million to transform Zook’s preserved home and studio at Katherine Legge Memorial Park into Zook Commons, planned as a museum, coffee shop and community gathering space. We also share Jennifer Carmody Haunty and Jake Haunty’s personal connection to Wellness House and their involvement with this year’s Light the Way Ball, as well as Hinsdale Central junior Evelyn Saxton’s look at teenagers learning to fly and the growing number of young women pursuing aviation.

DRAFT DAY DREAM Landon Thome gets the call from the White Sox

INSIDE: ZOOK'S LASTING LEGACY

Also in this issue, Chicago Polo Academy is introducing new riders to one of the world’s oldest sports through lessons, practices and matches. Our home feature looks at the growing interest in bringing resort and country club amenities home, from infrared saunas and cold plunges to golf simulators and indoor sports courts.

CHICAGOLAND: THE QUIET GOLF CAPITAL

We head into the city for a guide to some of Chicago’s oldest places, including landmarks, hotels, businesses and institutions that have been part of the city for generations. And with the Presidents Cup coming to Medinah in September, we look at Chicagoland’s place in golf history, including its renowned private clubs and historic public courses throughout the western suburbs. Enjoy the fall season and all it has to offer. Scott Jonlich Founder & Publisher Hinsdale Magazine

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September/October 2026

Contents

29 31

14 TO DOS Fall Events

19 PROFILE Jennifer Carmody Haunty and Jake Haunty

21 SPOTLIGHT TWA Flight 529

25 ARCHIVES The Lasting Legacy of R. Harold Zook

29 PREVIEW Love Like Sean Family Run

31 CENTRAL SCENE JWA Flight School

34 INSIDE 60521 Zion Lutheran School

36 COVER Landon Thome

41 SPECIAL FEATURE Chicagoland: The Quiet Golf Capital

44 DID YOU KNOW? Nachusa Grasslands

47 TAKE NOTE DuPage Regional Office of Education

51 TRIBUTE Gertrude Kuh

57 RECREATION Chicago Polo Academy

58 TRENDS Luxury at Home

61 THE LIST

Oldest Places in Chicago

64 COMMUNITY SCENE Uniquely Thursdays Daisy Days

On the cover: Landon Thome at Guaranteed Rate Field on July 12, the day after the draft Photo courtesy of the Chicago White Sox

STAY CONNECTED TO YOUR COMMUNITY! Follow us on Instagram and Facebook. 10

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FOUNDER & PUBLISHER Scott Jonlich sjonlich@HinsdaleMag.com

GROUP PUBLISHER & EDITOR Anne Healy anne@HinsdaleMag.com

MANAGING EDITOR Larry Atseff larry@HinsdaleMag.com

CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Maureen Callahan Valerie Hardy Anna Hughes

GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Jennifer Frencl Rachel Pavlovich Katie Bolinger

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Julia Mazurek Jack Rodak Sophia Schiappa Jeff Vorva

FEATURE PHOTOGRAPHERS Victor Hilitski Atticus Fair, Video Editor Arthur Maiorella

ADVERTISING SALES graphics@hinsdalemag.com

Hinsdale Magazine Group 333 Chestnut, Suite 100 Hinsdale, IL 60521 630-655-3400 www.HinsdaleMag.com No person, organization or publication can copy or re-produce the content in this magazine or any part of this publication without a written consent from the publisher. The publisher, authors, contributors and designers reserve their rights with regards to copyright of their work. Hinsdale Magazine assumes no liability or responsibility for any inaccurate, delayed or incomplete information. The information contained about each individual, event or organization has been provided by such individual, event organizers or organization. The opinion expressed in each article is the opinion of its author and does not necessarily reflect the opinion of Hinsdale Magazine. Comments are welcome, but they should be on-topic and well-expressed. Copyright ©2026 Hinsdale Magazine, Inc. All rights reserved.

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"RESTORING YOUR NATURAL YOUTH, WITHOUT ALTERING WHO YOU ARE." — DR. MICHAEL BYUN

Dr. Michael Byun has earned recognition across regional publications, including being named a Chicago Magazine Beauty Guru and a Noteworthy Doctor by Hinsdale Magazine Group.

THE EVOLUTION OF THE FACELIFT

Cutting Through the Facelift Confusion

Feeling overwhelmed by facelift terms? Between "Deep Plane," "SMAS," "Liquid Lifts," and endless new trend names, it’s almost impossible to know what actually works—and what’s just marketing hype.

(an endoscope) to gently lift the deep muscles of your face straight back up and inward toward the center—precisely restoring your tissue to where it lived years ago. By blending deep-muscle foundation work with a vertical lift, this technique gives you:

Here is the simple truth: Most standard facelifts pull your face sideways.

A Natural Reset: We lift the deep muscle structure beneath the skin, so your face isn't left feeling pulled or tight.

When skin and muscle are pulled horizontally toward your ears, it creates that "windswept" or stretched look— like pulling a tent tight. You might look tighter, but you also end up looking different, unnatural, or recognizably "done."

Your Original Features: Your facial expressions, smile, and natural contours stay completely intact.

The BYUN Difference: Restoring, Not Stretching

The Bottom Line

Aging doesn't pull your face toward your ears; gravity pulls it down and forward. So why pull it sideways?

You don't need a fake, pulled look. You just need your real face gently returned to where it used to be.

Dr. BYUN’s method does the exact opposite of standard facelifts. Instead of a sideways tug, he uses a tiny camera

Look refreshed, energized, and vibrant—without looking like anyone other than yourself.

Zero "Windblown" Effect: No stretched mouth corners, no flat cheeks, and no obvious surgical look.

DR. MICHAEL BYUN, MD board-certified plastic surgeon

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SCAN TO LEARN MORE

TO DOS | HINSDALEMAG.COM

FALL INTO COMMUNITY Though the days are getting shorter as summer turns to fall, there’s still plenty of time to fill them with fun events around the community. With a variety of activities and attractions for all ages, there’s plenty of excitement for the entire family to enjoy. Explore the western suburbs of Chicago and make life-long memories and connections this fall. BY KATHERINE MIELKE

Photo courtesy of Nathan Moawad and the Taste of Egypt Festival

DOWNERS GROVE FINE ARTS FESTIVAL September 12–13, 10:00 AM–5:00 PM Downtown Downers Grove DowntownDG.org Come peruse a selection of boutiques, art, handmade jewelry, and more at the 49th annual Downers Grove Fine Arts Festival. With no entry fee and a designated children’s art area, this festival is a great activity for the whole family to enjoy without breaking the bank. Check out the local cafes to grab a bite or a refreshing drink as you explore this annual artsy event in the heart of Downers Grove.

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TASTE OF EGYPT FESTIVAL September 12, 11:00AM-7:00PM September 13, 12:00PM-5:00PM St. Mark Coptic Orthodox Church in Burr Ridge TasteofEgyptFestival.com Take a trip to Egypt without leaving the western suburbs. Hosted by St. Mark Coptic Orthodox Church, the annual Taste of Egypt Festival features authentic Egyptian cuisine, live music, cultural performances, camel rides, henna art, church tours and family-friendly activities. It’s a unique opportunity to experience one of the world’s oldest cultures through its food, traditions and warm hospitality. FALL FAMILY DAY HARMONY IN THE PARK September 19, 2:00 PM–5:00 PM Oaks Amphitheater in Central Park OBParks.org Enjoy a day of fun with the whole family at the Oaks Amphitheater in Central Park. Spend the afternoon dancing to family-friendly music sets and participating in games and more. Some of the event’s activities include face painting, a bounce house, a photo booth, and arts and crafts.This free event is a great way to meet new people and build community. Come and see it foryourself at the Oak Brook Park District!

CRUISIN’ FOR A CAUSE September 24, 6:00 PM Drury Lane communityassistedrides.org Join Community Assisted Rides (CARS) for their 24th annual fall benefit at Drury Lane. This year’s event is Route 66-themed. CARS is an organization that provides safe and convenient free transportation to local older adults in 22 communities. Come and celebrate this mission of supporting the community at this fun fundraising event. Tickets are available for purchase on the Community Assisted Rides website.

Fall Family Day: Photo courtesy of the Oak Brook Park District

Flannel Fest: Photo by Nissan Simpson

FLANNEL FEST September 26, 6:00 PM–8:30 PM Fishel Park DGParks.org Bring your best flannel and an empty stomach to Fishel Park for Flannel Fest. Enjoy a variety of activities, from live music to mechanical bull rides, at this event for all ages. With food from Midwest Smoke Barbecue and drinks from Goldfinger Brewing Company, you’ll have all you need for an evening of fun. There is no entry fee for this event. FAMILY FALL FEST October 3, 9:00 AM–12:00 PM The Depot at Willow Meadows Trace EPD.org Get ready for a morning of fun and great food at the Elmhurst Family Fall Fest. This outdoor event is a great way to get in the Halloween

spirit. Come enjoy dishes from a variety of food trucks as well as trick-or-treating. Bring your Halloween costume and spend an exciting morning with family and friends. Admission to this event is free. WINE WALK October 8, 5:00 PM–8:00 PM Downtown Hinsdale hinsdalechamber.com/wine-walk Take a walk around Hinsdale while enjoying wine samples at the Wine Walk. Local businesses sponsoring this 21+ event will be stationed along the walk, advertising ways to support and get further involved with the community. Tickets available for purchase online. PUMPKIN SWIM October 16, 6:00 PM–8:45 PM Oak Brook Park District OBParks.org Grab your goggles and head to the Oak Brook Park District’s Swim

Central for an aquatic egg hunt. Kids ages 0-12 can take their chance at winning candy, prizes, and even a full-size pumpkin to take home. After each age group participates, families are invited to stay for a couple of hours of open swim with no additional cost beyond the child’s enrollment fee. Come out for some late-season swimming and friendly competition at this family event. CAMERATA CHICAGO: A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM October 18, 3:00PM Union Church of Hinsdale CamerataChicago.org Celebrate the beauty of autumn with Camerata Chicago’s opening concert of its 23rd season. Mendelssohn’s beloved A Midsummer Night’s Dream comes to life with live narration by Music Director Drostan Hall, alongside Mozart’s Sinfonia Concertante for Four Winds and Tony Payne’s Fantasy on English Melodies. HINSDALE MAGAZINE | HinsdaleMag.com

MEDICAL EXPERTS | SPONSORED CONTENT

Reset & Restore

4 Essential Ways to Help Your Skin this Fall BY DR. CHRISTINA STEIL AND DR. RACHEL BOGNET

As the crisp autumn air settles moves in, our daily routines naturally begin to shift. We trade lightweight clothing for warmer options, and spend more time indoors. While updating our wardrobes comes naturally, we often forget that our skin also requires a similar seasonal transition. Fall marks a critical turning point for skin health. The sudden decline in ambient humidity, combined with cold outdoor winds and drying indoor heating systems, creates a perfect storm for skin barrier disruption. Here is a comprehensive guide to addressing fall’s four most common skin challenges with expert care, medical-grade home solutions, and cutting-edge clinical technology.

1. Reversing Summer Pigmentation & Repairing Sun Damage While a sun-kissed summer glow feels rewarding in July, the bill often comes due in September. Extended UV exposure accelerates cellular damage that becomes glaringly obvious as summer tans fade. Many patients notice the sudden appearance of sun spots, uneven skin tone, and stubborn melasma flare-ups. Melasma is a common skin condition characterized by brown or blue-gray patches, usually appearing on the cheeks, forehead, nose, and upper lip. Heat and ultraviolet rays stimulate pigment-producing cells (melanocytes) during summer, making these patches darker and more pronounced heading into fall. 16

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The At-Home Fix: Fall is the ideal time to revamp your topical regimen. Incorporate high-potency antioxidants like Vitamin C in the morning to neutralize residual environmental free radicals, and introduce targeted retinoids or non-hydroquinone brightening agents at night. To ensure your home routine yields real results, we offer physician-curated, medical-grade formulations directly through our office and online store. Our team can develop a curated skincare program for you and track your progress with our Visia Skin Analysis System. The Clinical Solution: Dermatologists affectionately refer to fall as “laser season.” Because patients spend less time in direct sunlight, the risk of post-treatment hyperpigmentation drops significantly, making it the safest time for light and laser therapies. BBL HEROic/ BBL HERO Photofacial (Intense Pulsed Light): Targets pigment issues (age spots, sunspots, freckles, uneven tone), vascular concerns (small veins, broken capillaries, redness, rosacea), and skin quality (dullness, elasticity, fine lines). With regular maintenance you can reverse and delay the skin-aging signs of sun-exposure. Moxi/ LaseMD®: A non-ablative fractional laser that creates micro-channels in the skin to break up stubborn deep pigment, refine overall texture, and revive dull, tired skin with minimal downtime. These lasers will also target the worst side-effect of sun-damage: precancerous lesions such as actinic keratoses (AKs) and, in some studies, have been associated with reduced incidence of basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).

2. Deep Barrier Repair & Intelligent Hydration When ambient humidity drops, a process known as transepidermal water loss (TEWL) accelerates. Moisture actively evaporates from the deeper layers of your skin into the dry air around you, leaving your complexion feeling tight, rough, reactive, or flaky.

Genius® RF Microneedling: Combines microneedling with targeted radiofrequency energy to deliver precise heat directly into the dermis. This dual action tightens sagging tissue, smooths fine lines, refines pore size, and dramatically improves post-acne scarring. Ultraclear: This cold-fiber ablative laser is our most advanced treatment. It targets early skin laxity, mild and deep textural concerns and helps to lighten stubborn pigment.

When your skin’s outer layer—the lipid barrier—is depleted of essential moisture, microscopic cracks 4. Clearing Seasonal Acne develop. This compromised barrier not only lets vital & Calming Inflammatory Flare-Ups hydration escape but also allows everyday environmental pollutants and bacteria to enter, leading to unexpected The turn of the season frequently brings unwelcome sensitivity and inflammation. skin breakouts. A combination of fluctuating hormones, shifting oil production, heavier clothing layers, and The At-Home Fix: Put away thin, watery summer gels indoor heating can trap dead skin cells and bacteria and transition to richer, lipid-replenishing barrier inside pores. Furthermore, sudden temperature shifts creams. Look for formulations packed with ceramides, often trigger inflammatory conditions such as rosacea, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and essential fatty acids. The Epionce® barrier renewal products available at CSC eczema, and psoriasis. Derm are specifically designed to repair the skin’s natural The Clinical Solution: Managing seasonal breakouts protective lipid matrix without clogging pores. doesn’t always require prolonged courses of oral antibiotics or heavy prescription medications. The Clinical Solution: Surface creams work best when applied to a clean, well-exfoliated canvas. AviClear®: An FDA-cleared, revolutionary 1726 nm laser treatment designed to treat mild, moderate, and severe Dermalinfusion: This advanced 3-in-1 technology acne directly at the source. It selectively targets and simultaneously exfoliates dead, dry skin cells, vacuums suppresses overactive sebaceous (oil) glands, significantly away debris from clogged pores, and deeply infuses reducing ongoing oil production without damaging customized, medical-grade hydrating serums into freshly surrounding tissue. This offers a long-term, medicationprepared tissue. Unlike traditional facial treatments, it free solution for patients seeking clear skin heading into delivers immediate hydration and plumpness without winter. irritation, making it an excellent seasonal reset for compromised skin. Medical Dermatology Care: For patients experiencing severe eczema, psoriasis, or rosacea flare-ups, our board3. Structural Tightening certified dermatologists provide medical evaluations & Collagen Renewal and custom treatment plans to calm inflammation and stabilize the skin barrier quickly. As we prepare for the busy holiday social calendar, autumn serves as the strategic window for deep skin tightening and collagen remodeling treatments. Because real collagen synthesis takes several months to mature, undergoing treatments in September or October ensures your skin looks visibly firmer, lifted, and refreshed right when seasonal gatherings begin. The Clinical Solution: Non-invasive structural rejuvenation relies on energy-based devices that reach deep into the dermal layers where collagen and elastin reside, prompting your body’s natural healing response to build new structural support. Ultherapy® Prime: The latest advancement in microfocused ultrasound technology. It precisely targets deep tissue layers beneath the skin—the same layers addressed in surgical procedures—without disrupting the surface. It lifts and tightens tissue along the jawline, submental area (under the chin), neck, and brow line.

About the Authors:

Dr. Christina Steil is a board-certified dermatologist specializing in medical and cosmetic dermatology.

Dr. Rachel Bognet is a board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon, focusing on comprehensive medical dermatology and skin cancer surgery.

CSC Steil Dermatology 125 W 2nd St, Hinsdale 5157 Main St 205, Downers Grove (630) 455-0045 | www.cscdermatology.com HINSDALE MAGAZINE | HinsdaleMag.com

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PROFILE | HINSDALEMAG.COM

Finding Hope Again

How Wellness House helped one family navigate loss, grief and a second chance at love

or Jennifer Carmody Haunty and Jake Haunty, Wellness House represents far more than a place. It represents connection, community and the reminder that no one has to face cancer alone. Although their paths would eventually intersect, each first experienced cancer through profound personal loss. Jennifer’s journey began in June 2012 when her husband, Matt, was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin lymphoma at age 38. At the time, the couple had three young children, with a fourth on the way. After a year in remission, the family moved to Hinsdale in July 2013. One year later, Matt’s cancer returned, and he passed away while preparing for a stem-cell transplant.

Jennifer Carmody Haunty and Jake Haunty share a commitment to supporting Wellness House and the families it serves.

It was a safe space where I could share my sadness and worries with people who truly understood.” Jake’s own cancer journey began in Seattle when his first wife, Nancy, was diagnosed with breast cancer just one year after they were married. Following multiple recurrences and a Stage IV diagnosis, Nancy lived another seven years before passing away. Looking back, Jake says one thing was missing during their family’s experience.

“I was 40 years old with four children ages 6, 4 (twins) and 18 months,” Jennifer recalls. “To say I was overwhelmed was an understatement.”

“We didn’t have a resource like Wellness House while Nancy and I were on our cancer journey in Seattle,” he says. “The one thing I wish more people understood about the cancer journey is how isolating it can feel.”

Jennifer met Gale Smith when their oldest sons were in kindergarten together at Monroe Elementary. Gale, another young widow, became a lifeline and introduced Jennifer to Wellness House, where Jennifer and her children attended grief support programs.

After a few years on his own, Jake was ready to move back to the Midwest to be closer to family. In 2018, his sister-in-law, Molly Haunty, and Gale Smith arranged for him to attend the Wellness House Ball, where he and Jennifer shared what they now consider their first date.

“I looked forward to Mondays,” Jennifer says. “The widows and widowers would meet while our children attended the Turtles program.

As Jake became part of Jennifer’s life, he quickly recognized how important Wellness House had become to Jennifer and her children.

“The power of Wellness House is realizing that we are not alone,” Jake says. “Others have walked, or are walking, the same path, and those connections mean everything.” Today, the Hauntys are honored to support the organization that supported Jennifer and her children through their grief—and that became an important part of Jake’s life as well. Jennifer is grateful for the opportunity to give back. “I’m looking forward to helping be part of such an instrumental event [Wellness House's Light the Way Ball] that provides Wellness House the funding to offer free programs and gives so much back to our community,” she says. Jennifer Carmody Haunty and Jake Haunty are serving as Ball Chairs for Wellness House’s Light the Way Ball on Saturday, October 24, 2026, at The Ritz-Carlton, Chicago, along with Dr. Angela Crowley and Dr. R. Webster Crowley, and Dr. Gale England Smith and Stephen Smith. Proceeds from the event support the organization’s more than 525 free programs offered each month. For more information, visit wellnesshouse.org. ■ HINSDALE MAGAZINE | HinsdaleMag.com

Maximize Life. Minimize Pain.

The Pain Specialists of Greater Chicago are extremely excited to celebrate their 25th year of providing compassionate care to patients suffering from pain of any origin. Our logo is “Maximize Life” and “Minimize Pain,” and we treat each patient with these goals. We provide

the very latest in minimally invasive procedures to treat the origin of pain whenever possible. Our team listens, understands, and provides solutions to help patients return to work, spend more meaningful time with loved ones, and perform the activities of daily living with less pain.

(630) 371-9980

NewPatient@painchicago.com painchicago.com Watch our Maximize Life Podcast on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/@maximizelifepodcast

Consultation Location 7055 High Grove, Suite 100 Burr Ridge, IL 60527 20

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Procedure Locations Hinsdale Surgical Center - Hinsdale Hinsdale Hospital - Hinsdale Palos Surgical Center - Palos Heights Chicago Surgery Center - Chicago

SPOTLIGHT | HINSDALEMAG.COM

Clarendon Heights Fire Department surveying the wreckage. Photo courtesy of the Clarendon Hills Historical Society

TWA FLIGHT 529: Local Memories of a National Tragedy The first of September marks 65 years since the night that shook the Western Suburbs

ilestones – even tragic ones -are worth commemorating. September 1st – just a few days ago - marked the 65th anniversary of the deadliest plane crash in American commercial aviation history, up to that date. TWA Flight 529 was a regularly scheduled domestic passenger route between Boston and San Francisco, with intermediate stops in New York, Pittsburgh, Chicago, Las Vegas and Los Angeles. Just after 2 a.m. on the morning of September 1st, 1961, the Las Vegas leg of the flight took off from Midway Airport. About five minutes later, the Lockheed L-049 Constellation plane crashed from an

BY MAUREEN CALLAHAN

altitude of approximately 5,000 feet into a field in what was then unincorporated Clarendon Hills. The 73 passengers and five crew members aboard died on impact. According to a Time magazine article written shortly thereafter, neighbors near the crash site – north of 61st and south of 59th Streets, between Clarendon Hills Rd and Bentley Ave – reported hearing engines sputtering overhead followed by an ear-piercing roar. The four-engine propeller airliner then skidded a half mile through a field of corn and soybeans as the flames grew higher and higher. Homeowners remembered their homes shaking and the horrific site and sounds of the plane as it burst into

flames after it crunched into the earth. Some reported their initial suspicion was a nuclear explosion at nearby Argonne Laboratory in Lemont. Others feared Chicago might have been bombed, as the Cuban Missile Crisis raged in the background of that moment in history. Volunteer firefighter Frank Trout was just seventeen years old when the phone rang, summoning the squad to a farm field just west of Route 83 in what is now Clarendon Hills. “My dad and I were both volunteer firemen,” Trout recalled. “Back in those days, you carried your boots, helmet and coat in the car and you met the engine at the site. So we jumped in the car and drove straight over. By then, most of HINSDALE MAGAZINE | HinsdaleMag.com

crews to document the disaster. Miraculously, no homes were hit, although the roof shingles of one house that bordered the field had melted. “Nuts, bolts and other bits of the wreckage still turn up from time to time when the ground heaves during winter months,” said Clarendon Hills Historical Society President Mary Brown. Each precious relic of shredded metal is preserved. For example, a metal tray that had held a Swanson dinner, now distorted to half its original size.

Memorial marker placed on the 60th anniversary in nearby Prairie Trail Park, Willowbrook. Photos courtesy of the Clarendon Hills Historical Society

MEMORIES OF VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTER FRANK TROUT:

The Maloney Family and the prayer book that belonged to Mary Kay Maloney.

the fire had actually gone out because there had been one big explosion and most of the fuel had burned off.” “The plane had come from Midway and had circled around and tried to get back to the airport when the pilot started having trouble controlling the throttle,” said Trout. Investigations by the Civil Aeronautics Board determined the cause of the crash to have been the loss of a steel bolt from the 22

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“The plane went full throttle into the ground. It looked like a bolt of lightning from the sky. It was a ball of fire from the point of impact – a giant explosion. Unbelievable. Most of the fire had gone out before we got there, but there were small spot fires throughout the field. Frantically, we searched for survivors. Some passengers were still strapped into their seats, but basically everyone was killed on impact. At the end of the field was a patch of pine trees. A sailor was pinned high up in one of them. I can still see him in my head. We got him down. We set up lights and generators and waited for sunlight so we could see what had actually happened. Fire and emergency equipment, along with police assistance, arrived on the scene in the following days from every department from here to Indiana. People really came together from nearby communities like Hinsdale, Downers Grove and Westmont to help however they could in the following weeks.”

back wing section, which had impaired the pilot’s ability to control the pitch of the aircraft. Glenn Haack, who lived near the site, thought he heard someone calling out for help when he ran over to the scene that night. Haack said that memory haunted him for decades. It took weeks for the investigation

Four local passengers were among the casualties – a nurse from MacNeal Hospital, a pharmacist from Evanston, and two servicemen returning to duty in California. There were 20 children in the mix of tourists, families and businessmen. Another four close friends from Suncook, New Hampshire were anxious to start their careers in Los Angeles. All were twenty years old. Then there were families, like the Maloneys from St Cloud, Minnesota, and the Chamberlains from New Britain, Connecticut, that lost seven and six members apiece, respectively. Five members of the Gilliam family had been visiting grandparents on the East Coast and were making their way back to Northern California. Among the five crew members, twenty-four-year-old flight attendant Barbara Pearson was recently married and had learned she was pregnant. She was on her way home to tell her husband on her last flight before leaving her job for motherhood. The other flight attendant, twenty-oneyear-old Nanette Fidger, was on her second-to-last flight before leaving TWA to get married. Five years ago, on the 60th anniversary of the tragedy, a memorial marker was placed in Prairie Trail Park in Clarendon Hills, just east of the scene. The names of all 78 souls lost that night, along with the first responders that arrived first on the scene, appear on the marker; a constant reminder of the fragile line between life and death. ■

HINSDALE CHAMBER PRESENTS

Thursday, October 8th from 5-8pm in Downtown Hinsdale

Sidewalk Sale

Saturday, October 17th from 9am-4pm

Friday, December 4th from 5-7pm Burlington Park and the Downtown Business District

Dr. Ayesha Sultan

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Preserving

Built in 1924, R. Harold Zook’s home and studio were originally located at 327 S. Oak St. (shown here).

HISTORIC HINSDALE The Lasting Legacy of R. Harold Zook R.

BY ANNA HUGHES | PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE HINSDALE HISTORICAL SOCIETY

Harold Zook homes and buildings are iconic pieces of Hinsdale’s history. Often identified by faux thatched roofs, intricate brickwork, chevronpatterned woodwork, or spiderweb window motifs, Zook’s Cotswoldsstyle homes became a cornerstone of the architectural aesthetic throughout the village. “We like to say that we kind of equate R. Harold Zook to Chicago’s Frank Lloyd Wright,” Hinsdale Historical Society President Alexis Braden said. “He contributed to so much of the fabric of Hinsdale from

a residential and commercial standpoint.” Zook is responsible for designing approximately 34 houses and commercial buildings in Hinsdale, including his own residence and studio. Built in 1924, Zook called 327 S. Oak St. home until he died in 1949. Zook was an active Hinsdalean: he served on and chaired Hinsdale’s Architecture Committee and the first Plan Commission for 17 years, where he worked to cultivate a cohesive Georgian design throughout downtown.

“He was responsible for the village master plan,” Braden said. “A lot of our municipal and commercial buildings are in a Georgian style. That was part of his master plan, so his influence definitely… shaped the look and feel of our commercial buildings downtown.” In 2004, the Hinsdale Historical Society discovered that a developer had purchased Zook’s home and studio on South Oak Street with plans to demolish it. In order to preserve its historical significance, a team of volunteers and generous donors worked to move the structure

“[R. Harold Zook] contributed to so much of the fabric of Hinsdale from a residential and commercial standpoint.” – ALEXIS BRADEN, PRESIDENT, HINSDALE HISTORICAL SOCIETY

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LEFT: It took two days to move Zook’s home and studio on wheels from South Oak Street to Katherine Legge Memorial Park. ABOVE: Zook’s home and studio were moved to Katherine Legge Memorial Park in 2005. BELOW:

in its entirety to Katherine Legge Memorial Park in May of 2005.

the Kitchen Walk concept, was geared toward men interested in luxury homes and cars, “man cave” garages, and curated wine cellars.

“A bunch of volunteers, architects, builders, everyone came together with the society to move this,” Braden said. “It took two days on wheels up County Line [Road] to where it sits now.”

“It was really cool,” Braden said. “We’re hoping that it’ll continue to be an annual event moving forward.” In addition to her role at the Historical Society, Braden also serves on the Board of Trustees, where she oversees Hinsdale’s preservation efforts. She said the village is offering various incentives to encourage historic homeowners to maintain the original character of their homes.

Over the past 20 years, the Historical Society has worked to rehabilitate the home and studio to ensure that it remains a local landmark and honors Zook’s contribution to Hinsdale. Now, they are working on the next phase of that plan: to transform the space into Zook Commons. “We are fundraising to turn it into a museum as a tribute to R. Harold Zook, a coffee shop and gathering spot for people frequenting the park and all Hinsdaleans,” Braden said. The Zook Legacy Campaign, which started in late 2025, has a fundraising goal of $1.5 million for this project. “We foresee [Zook Commons] as an institution for generations to come, [as] a new gathering spot for Hinsdaleans, a place to learn,” Braden said. “We’re going to have seminars and wellness classes for people of all ages to come and visit us, and so we encourage 26

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[Hinsdaleans] to get involved to help us reach this fundraising goal, so we can make this a reality.” Although funds from society-hosted events throughout the year—including the highly anticipated Kitchen Walk—support the Zook Home and Studio, the money raised from those events also finances operations at the two other society-owned buildings: Immanuel Hall and the Hinsdale History Museum. To raise money specifically for the Zook Legacy Campaign, the Historical Society launched a new event in May: Hinsdale Drives. This tour, inspired by

“[We’re] trying to get people to preserve these homes, make it modern for their family, but preserv[e] the streetscapes so we can continue to be a historic village from a home neighborhood standpoint,” she said. Through all her work, Braden’s message echoes the feelings of many Hinsdaleans: “We really want to preserve Hinsdale’s history and heritage,” she said. For more information about the Zook Legacy Campaign, visit www.hinsdalehistory.org.■

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Dr. Matthew S. Hamedani Cameo Dental Specialists

For Dr. Matthew S. Hamedani, oral and maxillofacial surgery offers the opportunity to relieve pain, repair injuries and restore a patient’s quality of life. “I could be removing someone’s wisdom teeth today and repairing a mandible fracture tomorrow,” Hamedani says. That variety keeps the work meaningful. The specialty combines dentistry, medicine and surgery, preparing him to treat advanced conditions affecting the mouth, face and jaws. Hamedani brings that experience to Cameo Dental Specialists, where oral and maxillofacial surgeons, endodontists and periodontists collaborate under one roof. Patients can receive care ranging from root canal therapy and gum disease treatment to wisdom tooth removal and treatment for facial injuries. “Each specialty has unique expertise,” Hamedani says, “and our multidisciplinary environment ensures we are providing the best care to our patients.” Cameo offers same-day appointments for patients in pain and works to schedule other visits promptly. Team members help patients understand their insurance coverage and provide clear pricing before treatment begins. Hamedani says every patient is treated “as if they are a member of our own family.” He also encourages patients not to wait for discomfort before seeking care. “Pain free does not mean disease free,” he says. Preventive treatment can help patients avoid pain, added expense and more complicated procedures later on. Hamedani’s commitment to continued learning extends beyond the practice. He is a clinical assistant professor of surgery at Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine and chair of the Department of Dentistry at MacNeal Hospital. Teaching residents and working in a hospital setting give him opportunities to keep growing professionally and bring that experience back to his patients.

Cameo Dental Specialists 5650 S. Brainard Ave., La Grange, Illinois (708) 579-0488 | cameods.com HINSDALE MAGAZINE | HinsdaleMag.com

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LaGrange Periodontics At LaGrange Periodontics, specialized care is at the heart of every healthy gum and lasting smile. Serving the western suburbs, the practice offers comprehensive services, including periodontal treatment, dental implants, gum and sinus grafting, laser therapy, and sedation dentistry. The experienced team provides advanced reconstruction, esthetics, and implant care designed to deliver exceptional long-term outcomes.

Dr. Farah Shakir

Board-certified as a Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology, Dr. Shakir earned her DMD and MS from UIC. She serves as a Clinical Assistant Professor and specializes in bone augmentation, sinus grafting, and gum grafting. Fluent in Arabic and Spanish, she loves traveling with her husband, raising her two young children, and staying active when she is away from the clinic.

Dr. Monica Babbitt

Dr. Babbitt began her dental path as a hygienist before earning her DMD at UIC and completing her surgical residency at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Beyond her 20+ years of clinical work in oral plastic surgery and laser techniques, she has contributed to NIH research on bone health. She takes pride in balancing her dedicated clinical practice with family life and ongoing education.

Dr. Michelle Parzatka Jennings

A former Hinsdale Central softball and basketball player, Dr. Jennings loves bringing 30 years of specialized experience back to her hometown. She earned her DDS from UIC and completed her periodontics residency at the University of Kentucky. Outside the office, she enjoys running, fitness, and traveling. Professionally, she is a past president of the Illinois Society of Periodontists and utilizes dual dental laser technology for precise gum and bone care.

Dr. Michael Cunningham

Dr. Cunningham served six years in the U.S. Navy as a cytotechnologist examining pathology specimens before earning his DDS and MS in Oral Science from the University of Illinois. With 28 years of periodontal expertise, he provides surgical treatments, sinus procedures, and implant care. A clinical assistant professor multi-state certified in dental sedation, he balances his medical background with a patient-first approach.

LaGrange Periodontics 6520 Joliet Road, Countryside, Illinois 708.354.4545 | lagrangeperio.com

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The third annual Love Like Sean Family Run will take place on November 1 at Robbins Park. Photo by: Adam Pitra/AWP Photography

Love A Legacy of

Annual family run honors, celebrates Sean Richards

BY ANNA HUGHES

ean Richards left a lasting impression on everyone he met. In his 14 years, he embraced each day with a joyful spirit, a fervent faith, and a genuine love for others. He was known to be selfless, generous, friendly, kind, cheerful, and loyal. The Love Like Sean Foundation is dedicated to preserving Sean’s legacy— helping others to live and love like he did. “He was a boy that could … make anyone feel welcome, anyone feel happier to be in his presence,” family friend Maria Banks said. “He was always just happy to run around the neighborhood, to be around, to play games … volunteer his time at church or at school with a running club that he was a part of. He was really a kid that made a difference and made an impact in people’s lives.” Alongside Sean’s mother Kristine Richards, Banks is co-chairing the

third annual Love Like Sean Family Run on Nov. 1. Proceeds from the run are split between the Love Like Sean Foundation and community outreach programs at St. Isaac Jogues Catholic Church, Sean’s beloved parish and school. The purpose of the run is to promote love, community, friendship, and service—values that Sean embodied so naturally. “If we can … carry on that legacy since he’s not here to carry it on himself, that was important to me,” Banks said. Sean was an avid runner, as are many of his family and friends, so the decision to start a run in his honor made perfect sense. Although the inaugural run in 2024 was organized in just a few short months, the response was overwhelming: Friends and neighbors gathered in droves to celebrate Sean and support his family. They came together in fellowship, sharing memories, laughter, hugs, and tears.

“You did feel that love in the air, and it was so special,” Banks said. “As we approached the second year, and now the third year … [we’re] like how do we bottle that up and keep that?” Banks said they’ve expanded upon each year’s success, adding more activities and formalizing the existing events, hoping to solidify the run’s framework for years to come. “It’s been amazing because it takes a lot of hands to make this happen, but it’s been pretty easy to find those helping hands,” she said. “That alone is sort of a testament to who Sean was.” As the annual run grows, the main goal remains: to honor Sean’s legacy with as many people as possible. “When I think of Sean now, I think three words that are sort of a mantra are love, laugh, and play,” Banks said. “He just loved to play and laugh and spread joy and love. He loved his family. He loved his friends. So let’s get the whole community together … on that day to love, laugh, and play.” The Love Like Sean Family Run 5K & Kids Dash will take place on the morning of Nov. 1, 2026, at Robbins Park. For more information on the Love Like Sean Foundation, visit lovelikesean.org. ■ HINSDALE MAGAZINE | HinsdaleMag.com

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FLIGHT PLAN

he youngest student pilot at JWA Flight School is 13 years old. Too young for a driver’s permit, too young to see a PG-13 movie alone, but old enough to take the controls of an airplane. That student isn’t an outlier. About 90 teenagers train at JWA. Roughly 20 of those teenagers are girls, alongside three women among the school’s 11 instructors. “About 20% of the school is female, which is higher than the national average,” says Wayne Brazinski, who leads the school. Better still, girls graduate at about the same rate as the boys. The FAA’s newest U.S. Civil Airmen Statistics show why that matters: women pilots in America just topped 100,000 for the first time. That is up 72% since 2020, and women now make up 16.4% of student pilots, the highest share of any certificate level. A century after Amelia Earhart pushed against a closed cockpit door, the gap is narrowing — and teenagers are the ones narrowing it. The proof is on JWA’s ramp. Emily Pavuk trained at JWA and soon after went on to the Air Force Academy. Most teens who train are headed for aviation careers, civilian or military. Nico Cimino started

Cleared for Takeoff BY EVELYN SAXTON

at 17, graduated this spring from Minooka High School, and he is headed to Lewis University to become an airline pilot. According to the Boeing Company, which manufactures and is one of the world’s largest aerospace manufacturers and defense contractors, they think “The world will need 660,000 new pilots by 2044.” But the license may be the smallest thing a teen pilot earns. There’s a confidence in being sixteen and landing an airplane by yourself and the self-trust no classroom could ever teach. The airport becomes a second home full of friends who share the same spark. It feeds a sense of adventure. The path is practical, too. Teens can solo at 16 and get licensed at 17, after about 65 flight hours. One lesson a week equals a pilot’s license in about a year, which is doable while balancing school work. While four flights a week can finish it in a single summer. For those who are curious, a discovery flight or a high school aviation club can be a great first step. Every parent asks about safety. The

honest answer: NTSB data puts general aviation at about one fatal accident per 100,000 flight hours—a 0.001% chance per hour aloft—and 2024 had the lowest fatal accident rate since FAA tracking began in 2009. Training flights are among the safest flying of all, down 52% since 2012 and, hour for hour, in the same range as a young driver behind the wheel. The difference, Brazinski says, is discipline: good pilots don’t make the little mistakes that are completely avoidable. Still on the fence? Plenty of pilots fear heights but find they love flying anyway. You can always book a discovery flight, or join Girls in Aviation Day on September 19, with hands-on events at airports nationwide from Women in Aviation International. As Brazinski says: “You miss every shot you don’t take.” For the teenagers at JWA, the sky isn’t the limit. It’s the starting point. ■ About the Author Evelyn Saxton (15) is a junior at Hinsdale Central High School and a thirdgeneration private pilot in training at JWA Flight School. She hopes to inspire more young people, especially girls, to explore opportunities in aviation.

Evelyn Saxton, a junior at Hinsdale Central High School, trains with her flight instructor at JWA Flight School.

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To help meet the growing need for cardiovascular care throughout Chicago’s western suburbs, UChicago Medicine AdventHealth has welcomed four new cardiologists, expanding access to expert heart and vascular services close to home.

Dr. Omar Siddiqui specializes in cardiovascular disease and interventional cardiology. He is dedicated to partnering with patients on their heart health journey, from preventive care and early diagnosis to advanced treatment options when needed.

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Together, these physicians strengthen a growing Heart and Vascular team that now includes nearly 20 specialists serving patients in Hinsdale and surrounding communities. The expansion reflects UChicago Medicine AdventHealth’s continued commitment to providing advanced cardiovascular care that is both highly specialized and conveniently accessible.

Dr. Maan El Khadra is board certified in cardiovascular disease and internal medicine. His career has included advanced training in cardiology and a longstanding commitment to helping patients manage complex cardiovascular conditions while improving their overall health and quality of life. Dr. Omar Hamoui is board certified in cardiovascular disease and interventional cardiology. He specializes

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Repurposing Zion Lutheran School

Adaptive reuse will allow the historic space to be retrofitted for housing

The former Zion Lutheran School has been transformed into The Vine, a seven-residence 55+ community.

BY MAUREEN CALLAHAN

daptive reuse is defined as the conversion of an existing building for a purpose other than it was originally built or designed. Look around, and

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you’ll see it in our local municipalities. Homes are now dental offices or architectural firms; former churches are exhibit spaces, and factories are loft apartments.

not to overbuild. While the building has been used for several other purposes since the school closed, we have created a new permanent use for the space.”

The concept is to utilize buildings that would otherwise be torn down – a viable alternative to new construction that considers costs, aesthetics, and sustainability. Adaptive reuse is also a great way to preserve memories as the purpose of a space is updated, such as in the case of the former Zion Lutheran School at Second and Vine Streets, just west of downtown.

The project illustrates what’s

For over a century, Zion Lutheran School was a pillar for generations of students seeking a Christian education. The second building to house the school -now 95 years old- has been repurposed. (The original building was a one-room schoolhouse built in 1890). The 30,000 sq. feet, once partitioned by classroom walls, is now a 55+ community known as The Vine, which has seven private residences. The footprint of the original building itself is almost identical to the school except for the addition of balconies and new windows. The roof and masonry, along with the stunning stained-glass windows, will remain – a way to incorporate the past alongside the modern overhaul of the beloved institution. “The great thing was that the project is a win-win situation for the town,” said Craig Ross, of Ross Builders, the third-generation Hinsdale builder on the project. “The town of Hinsdale, as well as its residents, are very conscientious

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“I think it’s great when we’re able to reuse existing buildings.” - BOB BARNETT

possible with an older building given a new purpose. Without a doubt, repurposing has its challenges. There’s always a certain amount of unpredictability – it’s unknown what is behind a wall or above a false ceiling, until contractors get to work on that area of the project. There can be uncertainties that lead to additional costs, as opposed to putting up a new building that has been designed for a specific purpose. Downers Grove Mayor Bob Barnett has wonderful memories of Zion Lutheran. As a graduate of Zion, Barnett is happy about the repurposing of a building for which he has great memories. He attended the school from kindergarten through eighth grade. “Like many of the neighborhood schools, Zion was a fairly small community,” he

said. “But the difference was that the kids came from all over – not every family was church members.” Some came from as far away as Plainfield. Most stayed from kindergarten through eighth grade. Tight-knit communities were created over those formative years spent in the same classrooms. One of Barnett’s favorite memories, along with many students of the 70s and 80s era, was that of Language Arts teacher and basketball coach Jim Brackensick. “Mr. B. had a big booming voice; he was a presence,” Barnett recalled with a smile. “There used to be a small house several doors down from the school that operated as a little store. My classmates and I always tried to sneak over there at recess to get candy. If Mr. B. caught you, you’d end up running laps around the schoolyard.” “I think it’s great when we’re able to reuse existing buildings,” said the mayor. “For example, the gym had a high ceiling. It’s now going to be the parking garage.” But the benefits – both environmental and from a preservation standpoint - are significant. There is less demolition waste, which saves space in landfills and reduces carbon emissions. Adaptive reuse is also a realistic way to reduce urban sprawl in a quaint village like Hinsdale and keep the historic charm alive – one reason many of us love our communities. ■

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THOME FEELS WHITE SOX DRAFT Jim and Landon Thome share a moment on the field at Rate Field following Landon’s selection by the Chicago White Sox in the first round of the 2026 MLB Draft. Photo courtesy of the Chicago White Sox

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Landon Thome drafted in first round by Sox, making Hall of Famer father proud By Jeff Vorva

n June 5, 1989, a small gathering of family members in Peoria celebrated when Jim Thome was drafted in the 13th round of the Major League Baseball Draft by Cleveland. On July 11, 2026, a much bigger gathering was at Jim and Andrea Thome’s Burr Ridge home as his son, Landon, was drafted in the Competitive Balance A round – 34th overall – by the Chicago White Sox, a team Jim played with from 2006-2009. Jim is also a special assistant to the general manager of the Sox. Jim couldn’t estimate how many people were there to share in Landon’s joy that day. Maybe 40? Maybe 50? Could it have been 60? Heck, he lost count. One thing he did know is the explosion of cheers once Landon’s name was announced was loud. Once Landon heard his name, his head dropped with relief and he shot up and hugged his mother, Andrea, and then Jim and then a bunch of other well-wishers. “The love and the excitement and the thrill that it was the White Sox was great,” Jim said. “His friends and family were rooting for him all of this time, so it was very cool and special.” Landon was at Rate Field the day after the draft to meet with the media, and he was still pumped up. “It’s a dream come true,” Landon said. “I’ve been growing up and coming to games here since I was a little kid. And to hear my name called by the White Sox…I’m just ready to get to work and do everything I can to help the city and help this team.” After talking to the press, he took part in a first-pitch ceremony. The first-

Left: Long before becoming a first-round draft pick, a young Landon Thome was already a devoted White Sox fan. Right: Landon and his family watch the MLB Draft from their Burr Ridge home before celebrating when the White Sox selected him with the 34th overall pick. Photos courtesy of the Thome family

round and overall No. 1 pick in the draft, Roch Cholowsky, was also there and threw to Hall of Famer Harold Baines. Landon fittingly threw his pitch to Jim. The elder Thome concedes he was much more nervous on his son’s draft day than his own. “The dynamic of it has totally changed,” Jim said. “I remember them calling my house – which was my parents’ house. Now it’s televised. The transformation of the draft and the building up to the draft is just so great. What a cool thing baseball has done. It’s cool to see him live his dream.” Landon was happy he could bring excitement to his father. “That was probably the most nervous I’ve ever seen him,” Landon said of Jim. “I tried to keep as relaxed as possible, but I was feeling those nerves, too.” Landon spent four years playing on varsity for Nazareth Academy as an infielder while Jim was an assistant coach to legendary head coach Lee Milano.

In 2023, Landon’s freshman year, the Roadrunners won the Illinois High School Association Class 3A state championship with a 7-2 victory over Grayslake Central in Joliet. Astonishingly, it was the first championship on any level that Jim won. “I’ve been to some World Series, but I never won a World Series,” Jim said after the state title game. “To help these kids as they have gone through the long grind is really cool.” Landon continued to make his mark, winning many state and national awards over the years, including the Gatorade Illinois Baseball Player of the Year. He capped off his high school career with a senior season in which he hit .535 with nine home runs and 35 RBIs. He scored 63 runs and stole 54 bases and set multiple school records. “In more than 30 years of coaching at Nazareth Academy, I can confidently say Landon is one of the finest young men I have had the privilege to coach,” Milano said. “It’s a true reflection of his family and the values they have instilled.” ■ HINSDALE MAGAZINE | HinsdaleMag.com

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SPECIAL FEATURE | HINSDALEMAG.COM

Hole 17 on the famed Medinah Country Club Course No. 3 Photo by Nick Novelli Photography / Medinah Country Club

CHICAGOLAND:

The Quiet Golf Cap ital of the World BY VALERIE HARDY

hen most people think of worldclass golf destinations, the Midwest probably isn’t the first location to come to mind. Instead, they likely consider courses like St. Andrews in Scotland, Pebble Beach in California, and Pinehurst in North Carolina. However, situated right here in the Second City and its surrounding suburbs are courses with deep history, bountiful beauty, and high-quality golf in equal measure. In a 2023 Golf Digest article, Stephen Hennessey wrote, “Often overlooked in the debate about our country’s best regions for golf is the Chicago area, and that’s unfair.” We couldn’t agree more, Mr. Hennessey. Over the years, Chicagoland has quietly become one of the greatest

golf destinations, not only domestically but internationally. A main contributing factor to Chicago’s standing as a premier region for golf is that it is home to several championship courses at elite golf clubs like Medinah Country Club in northwest suburban Medinah, Olympia Fields Country Club in south suburban Olympia Fields, and Cog Hill Golf & Country Club in southwest suburban Lemont. Medinah Country Club has hosted multiple notable tournaments dating back to 1939, when the 40th Western Open Championship was played there. U.S. Opens, PGA Championships, the 2012 Ryder Cup, and other historic golf tournaments have made Medinah a household name throughout the country and beyond. Later this month, Medinah will welcome the 2026 Presidents Cup, marking a milestone in the club’s

history. It will become the only club in the world to have hosted a U.S. Open, PGA Championship, Ryder Cup, and Presidents Cup, further cementing its reputation as one of the nation’s most iconic venues for championship golf. Olympia Fields is another noteworthy course just outside of Chicago. Home to two famed 18-hole courses, the North Course and the South Course, Olympia Fields has hosted an impressive lineup of major tournaments: two U.S. Opens, two PGA Championships, five Western Opens, and more. Likewise, Cog Hill Golf & Country Club, particularly its famed Dubsdread (Course No. 4), has challenged generations of the world’s best golfers during decades of PGA Tour competition. Beyond these tournament venues, Chicagoland boasts an almost HINSDALE MAGAZINE | HinsdaleMag.com

unparalleled collection of exclusive private clubs that consistently rank among America’s finest. Butler National Golf Club in Oak Brook has earned worldwide respect for its immaculate conditioning, strategic design, and long history of hosting elite professional and amateur championships. Neighboring Chicago Golf Club in Wheaton also earns accolades for both its history and course quality. It is most famous for being the first 18-hole golf course (originally established on the Downers Grove site that is now Belmont Golf Club before moving to Wheaton) in North America and one of the five founding member clubs of the United States Golf Association (USGA).

What makes Chicago especially unique, however, is that outstanding golf is not reserved exclusively for private memberships. Public golfers have an equally impressive menu of courses to choose from, including Belmont Golf Club in Downers Grove, a historic nine-hole course on the site where the nation’s first 18-hole course was established in 1893; Oak Brook Golf Club, a semi-private, 18-hole course whose challenging finishing stretch includes a 214-yard par-3 over water; Sugar Creek Golf Course in Villa Park, a nine-hole, par-32 course where a three-acre pond comes into play on four holes; and Arrowhead Golf Club in Wheaton, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. n

THE PRESIDENTS CUP COMES TO TOWN One of the brightest of golf’s international spotlights, the renowned Presidents Cup, will be held September 22-27 at Medinah Country Club’s legendary Course No. 3. The famed biennial PGA Tour tournament features a team representing the top players in the United States and an international team representing the best golfers from the rest of the world except Europe. The U.S. competes against Europe in the Ryder Cup tournament during odd-numbered years, while the Presidents Cup is held in evennumbered years. The Presidents Cup began in 1994 in Virginia. In the years since, the world’s best players have come together to compete for their team, country, and the honor of raising the Presidents Cup trophy. The 2026 U.S. team, led by golfers like Scottie Scheffler and Cameron Young, is entering this year’s Presidents Cup as the defending champion. In 2024, the team claimed its 10th straight Presidents Cup after Keegan Bradley clinched the winning point for the U.S.

Hole No. 3 on the championship South Course at Olympia Fields Country Club Photo by Gary Kellner Imaging

Belmont Golf Club brings more than a century of golf history to the heart of Downers Grove.

Tournament gates open at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 22. After two days of practice, the first round of the tournament will be held that Thursday and the second round on Friday. On Saturday, Round 3 matches will be played in the morning and Round 4 matches in the afternoon. The tournament will conclude with Round 5 matches followed by closing ceremonies on Sunday, Sept. 27.

For more information about the Presidents Cup or to purchase tickets to spectate, visit presidentscup.com.

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Bison roaming the Nachusa Grasslands Photo by Charles Larry

A Home Where the

BISON ROAM Illinois’ prairie at Nachusa Grasslands has been restored over the past 40 years thanks to The Nature Conservancy

here are few places left in the Midwest where you can hear the uninterrupted breeze moving through waist-high grasses and spot a herd of American bison grazing as they did centuries ago. Yet less than an hour-and-a-half drive west of Chicago’s western suburbs, nature lovers, bird watchers, photographers, hikers, families looking for an outdoor adventure, or anyone simply craving a break from the busyness of the burbs can find just that at Nachusa Grasslands, one of Illinois’ most unexpected treasures. PRECIOUS PRAIRIE Located in Franklin Grove and managed by The Nature Conservancy, a global environmental

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BY VALERIE HARDY

possible when science, long-term stewardship and community support come together,” said Bill Kleiman, The Nature Conservancy’s Nachusa Grasslands director.

nonprofit, Nachusa Grasslands boasts 4,000 acres of one of the largest and most biologically diverse prairie ecosystems in the region.

Operational since 1986, the preserve has been steadily expanding and restoring the land toward its authentic prairie state. “What was once fragmented habitat among farm fields before The Nature Conservancy acquired the first 400 acres four decades ago is now home to thousands of native plant, bird and bee species, as well as a herd of more than 100 bison,” Kleiman explained.

“Nachusa Grasslands, one of the Midwest’s prairie restoration success stories, shows what’s

BISON SPOTTING Bison were brought to Nachusa Grasslands in 2014. Visitors may view

Visitors learn about vegetation native to Illinois prairie lands through signage along the trails at Nachusa Grasslands. Photo by Carolina Menapace

ecologist” from Oak Park travels to Nachusa regularly March-December to help with field work, often staying in volunteer housing during his typical three-day visits.

During a workday at Nachusa Grasslands, volunteers pick prairie drop seed from a large propagation garden. Photo by Dee Hudson

the bison at designated lookout points along the road adjacent to the Grasslands. The magnificent mammals may also be observed from Nachusa Grasslands’ five designated hiking trails, each featuring 60-350 acres to traverse and explore.

management of the preserve. Visitors are encouraged to wear long pants, sturdy shoes, and a hat and bring water, insect repellent, and sunscreen. Binoculars may also optimize the experience. Pets are not permitted on the property.

NOTHING BUT NATURE Visiting Nachusa Grasslands is a multisensory experience – the landscape bursting with color and the air alive with birdsong and other insect and animal vocalizations. Besides bison, the property is home to approximately 250 different bird species. One of the preserve’s functions is to protect rare and threatened species, such as the bobolink, a migratory songbird, and the ornate box turtle. Over 700 native plants are also thriving at Nachusa Grasslands, many identified with signage along the trails.

“To watch the land come back and express itself through this amazing vegetation…is extremely satisfying.”

TAKE A TOUR Visitors to Nachusa Grasslands may explore on their own or, with advance registration, take a prairie and bison tour offered by Friends of Nachusa Grasslands, a nonprofit founded by volunteers dedicated to helping provide for the long-term care and

A visit to Nachusa Grasslands is fun for the whole family. Photo by Carolina Menapace

– BERNIE BUCHHOLZ, LONGTIME NACHUSA GRASSLANDS VOLUNTEER

MAKE A MARK Consider not only visiting but volunteering! At last count, the annual volunteer hours at Nachusa Grasslands totaled 8,400. Volunteers collect native prairie seed, remove invasive plants, assist with prescribed fire management, help lead educational programs, and more. Volunteer opportunities range from single-day workdays to regular shifts. Bernie Buchholz, a longtime volunteer and founder of Friends of Nachusa Grasslands, became “smitten” after participating in a workday over 20 years ago. Since then, the finance professional turned “self-taught field

What keeps Buchholz and other volunteers coming back? For some, it’s therapeutic, Buchholz explained. Also, “to watch the land come back and express itself through this amazing vegetation…is extremely satisfying,” he said. “It’s also the community; volunteers at Nachusa are extremely well supported by staff or other volunteers.” To learn more about volunteering at, visiting, or donating to The Nature Conservancy’s Nachusa Grasslands, visit nachusagrasslands.org. n

BISON BASICS Bison have many habits that help sustain the prairie. For example, their patchy grazing makes room for a higher diversity of plants leading to a healthier prairie. Here are some other fun facts about the mighty bison. It’s the largest land mammal in North America, with the males weighing up to 2,000 pounds. Bison can run up to 35 mph, and their typical lifespan is 15-20 years. Bison’s fur is so thick that snow on it doesn’t melt. People often refer to bison and buffalo interchangeably, but they’re two distinct animals. To spot the differences, note that bison are bearded but buffalo are beardless. Also, consider these 3 H’s: • Humps: Bison have one at their shoulders for their heads to function like snowplows in the winter, while buffalo do not have humps. • Horns: Bison have short, sharp horns, while buffalo have longer, arced horns measuring up to over six feet. • Homes: Bison are native to North America and Europe. Buffalo are indigenous to Africa and Asia.

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Honoring DuPage’s Best

EDUCATORS DuPage Regional Office of Education Awards Excellence

BY JULIA MAZUREK | PHOTOS COURTESY OF DUPAGE REGIONAL OFFICE OF EDUCATION

hen Jeff Grant’s biology students head outside for class, they’re not taking a break from learning – they’re stepping into one of the most unique classrooms in DuPage County. Just beyond the grounds of Downers Grove North High School, Grant has transformed a neighboring prairie into a living laboratory where students investigate ecosystems, conduct field research, and discover that science extends far beyond textbooks and test tubes. His hands – on approach encourages curiosity, critical thinking, and a lasting appreciation for the natural world.

challenges like environmental sustainability, Grant’s classroom emphasizes exploration over memorization.

`Climate of Hope’ was a professional development session for area science educators led by DGN teacher and Educator of the Year honoree Jeff Grant.

Grant, who teaches AP Biology and Anatomy, accepted the award with characteristic humility. “Their curiosity is what makes teaching science both rewarding and

Grant was one of several educators recognized during the celebration. Matt Davidson, superintendent of Timothy Christian Schools in Elmhurst, was named DuPage County’s Private and Parochial Educator of the Year. Davidson called the recognition “very humbling,” saying it reflects “the community of Timothy Christian Schools and God’s faithfulness.”

That philosophy earned Grant, a 23-year veteran of Community High School District 99, the distinction of 2026 DuPage County Educator of the Year. The honor was presented by the DuPage County Regional Office of Education (ROE) during its second annual Educator of the Year celebration, which recognized exceptional educators from both public and nonpublic schools across DuPage county.

“Jeff Grant represents the very best of our profession,” said DuPage Regional Superintendent of Schools Amber Quirk. “He is deeply committed to his students, constantly pushing them to think critically and engage meaningfully with the world around them.”

Superintendent Amber Quirk checks in with an attendee at a job fair hosted by the Regional Office of Education.

fun,” he said, crediting the support of his colleagues and the enthusiasm of his students for creating a classroom where discovery takes center stage. Whether students are designing complex experiments, conducting research, or tackling real-world

While the awards celebrate outstanding educators, it also shines a light on the DuPage Regional Office of Education and the support and services it provides. The ROE serves as a nonpartisan link between the Illinois State Board of Education and 42 local school districts, providing resources and specialized support that help schools, educators, students, and families across the county thrive. For educators, ROE may be most commonly known for services that HINSDALE MAGAZINE | HinsdaleMag.com

keep schools running smoothly - like teacher licensing, professional development requirements, and compliance with state and federal mandates across 256 schools and more than 140,000 students countywide. But Regional Superintendent Amber Quirk says those responsibilities represent only part of the office’s mission. The ROE also offers value-adding services that support a range of needs that reach far beyond compliance. “The ROE does so much to connect people to resources in order to support students,” Quirk said. “Our goal is to provide the support that schools need so educators can focus on teaching and students can thrive.” The ROE’s role in connecting schools with resources covers a wide

In addition to honoring Jeff Grant and Matt Davidson, the DuPage Regional Office of Education also recognized these five outstanding educators in 2026: Kerry Gustafson • Educational Support Person of the Year • Paraprofessional at Washington Junior High School, Naperville

range of needs, including safety planning, social-emotional learning initiatives, college and career readiness programs, and more. The ROE also helps schools support their students who are experiencing complex challenges like truancy or homelessness. The department also runs an alternative educational school for students who require a different learning environment.

by Grant. His session – ‘Climate of Hope’ - was a collaboration on teaching science in meaningful and impactful ways. This leadership and mentoring of fellow educators also demonstrate Grant’s impact beyond Downers Grove North.

For this year’s institute day, the science conference was spearheaded

For more about the DuPage Regional Office of Education, visit .dupageroe.org. n

Davidson’s impact also stretches beyond Timothy Christian. He serves as the chairman of the Illinois Coalition of Nonpub“Not every district lic Schools and is the “Their [students’] has the resources to state represencuriosity is what makes Illinois offer every specialtative for the Council teaching science both for American Private ized program or address every need,” rewarding and fun.” Education. added Quirk, who brings to her role “Both Jeff’s and Matt’s – JEFF GRANT COMMUNITY HIGH over 20 years of leadership extend well SCHOOL DISTRICT 99 experience as an beyond the classroom educator in both the classroom and as and their buildings,” added Quirk. a principal. “By providing those “Their influences are far-reaching and services regionally, we’re able to help deeply impactful in their own schools students and families access the and schools throughout the county.” support they need.” The Educator of the Year awards The office also coordinates profescelebrate excellent individuals, but also sional development opportunities highlight the network of educators, that allow educators to learn from administrators, and community one another. One example is an partners working together for students. annual county-wide institute day in The DuPage County Regional Office of February, which brings together Education helps make that work nearly 300 educators to share possible - supporting the people who innovative teaching strategies. shape the next generation.

Katie Poch • Elementary/Early Childhood Educator of the Year • Carl Sandburg Elementary School, Wheaton David James • Middle School Educator of the Year • Hill Middle School, Indian Prairie School District 204 Todd Holmberg • High School Educator of the Year • Naperville Central High School Dr. Elizabeth Vander Woude • Administrator of the Year • School Association for Special Education in DuPage County (SASED) 48

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DGN science teacher Jeff Grant was honored for bringing to life unique learning experiences for students and mentorship to fellow educators.

Timothy Christian Schools’ superintendent Matt Davidson was recognized for his leadership in a non-public school, grounded in commitment to faith and community.

Celebrate America’s 250th • Food from local restaurants • Children’s activities • Drone show and fireworks at dusk

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A Legend Etched in

LANDSCAPE Gertrude Kuh remains one of the most notable women in landscape design

BY MAUREEN CALLAHAN | PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE DEIMEL FAMILY ARCHIVES

utdoor landscaping is what makes a house a home. A century ago, the name Gertrude Kuh became well known, particularly on the North Shore. As one of the first women in her field, she created more than 400 landscapes from small flower gardens for single-family residences to intricate, multiple-acre designs for sprawling estates. “She was truly an artist,” said Kuh’s grandson, Thomas Deimel. “She didn’t have much to do with women of her time because she felt they were petty. She was always surrounded by men because that’s who worked in landscape design.” While time has all but eroded Kuh’s work, there are still some homes that have the outlines of her elegant and naturalistic landscape style. She was known for her creative innovation and ability to work with the physical environment in which she was presented. She had great respect for the native environment of a setting and tended toward an earth-toned color palette that complemented the scene. Gertrude Eisendrath Deimel Kuh was born in Racine, WI, in the early 1890s as the youngest of six children to wealthy Jewish immigrants. The family moved to Chicago’s affluent Hyde Park neighborhood as she started school. After graduating from University High School (now University of

Gertrude Kuh on an overseas trip, circa 1930.

Chicago Laboratory School), Kuh went on to study at Lowthorpe School of Horticulture and Landscape Design in Groton, Massachusetts. Among other horticultural studies, Kuh learned planting, design, grading and land surveying. She apprenticed for Ellen Biddle Shipman – the first well-re-

spected woman in the field - during summer breaks. “We found a reference to Shipman having created designs for Martin House - a Frank Lloyd Wright home in Buffalo, New York, which Wright often referred to as his masterpiece,” Deimel said. “My HINSDALE MAGAZINE | HinsdaleMag.com

Kuh's watercolor landscape plans are works of art in themselves.

grandmother interned around that time, so it’s very possible she helped Shipman with those designs.”

and her son moved north to The Hotel Belmont on Lake Shore Drive to be closer to her clientele.

After a two-month internship in Des Moines, Iowa, following graduation, Kuh returned to Chicago and set up her business in Hyde Park in the 20s. Her first marriage to Jerome Deimel resulted in her son John, who was Kuh’s only child. Her husband passed away after just two years of marriage.

In the years following the death of her second husband, Kuh’s design business grew exponentially. She hired associate Mary Long Rogers – another single woman raising a son close to her own son’s age - to assist in drafting projects and consultation on construction and drainage. The pair collaborated on over 200 designs over the next two and a half decades as they built a lifelong friendship.

Kuh became very active in social circles and clubs, particularly the North Shore Garden Club. She served a stint as president of the organization, during which the renowned naturalist and landscape artist Jens Jensen spoke at their annual meeting in 1930. Several of Kuh’s designs won the blue ribbon at the Navy Pier Flower Show. The North Shore Garden Club proved to be a valuable avenue for Kuh in gaining the early commissions of wealthy homeowners of those neighborhoods. Family contacts also helped her gain the confidence of Julius Rosenwald (Sears, Roebuck & Company owner) and Irving Florsheim (shoe magnate), both of whom hired her to design gardens on their estates in the early 30s. A second marriage to clothing manufacturer George Kuh lasted only four months. After he died, she

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Kuh was a member of the American Society of Landscape Architects, a respected organization with few women on their roster. Long-term professional relationships played an important role for Kuh in gaining clients. Ernest

Grunsfeld, designer of the Adler Planetarium, was Kuh’s neighbor when she moved to the north side. The two professionals worked together on many designs. A few times, clients contacted Kuh for a landscape project and requested that she find an architect who then designed a house around it. When space permitted, Kuh was known for creating “an outdoor room,” which she thought should be extensions of the homes themselves. Regardless of the size of the project, she insisted on meticulously drawn plans and excellent craftsmanship. Kuh never took on more work than that to which she could give her undivided attention. Clients learned to wait in line for her services. “My grandmother was truly an artist,” said Deimel. “Her apartment was like an art museum. She knew Georgia O’Keeffe from stints she spent in New Mexico, often with Mary Long Rogers.” Over her 50-year career, Kuh earned a place of distinction in Chicago’s landscape. A fountain, along with two other remembrances of her can be found at the Chicago Botanic Garden in Glencoe. After her death, her family gifted her paintings, drafts, and other memorabilia to The Art Institute of Chicago, where they are held today. Kuh is buried among other great Chicagoans in Rosehill Cemetery. n

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MAKING POLO More Accessible Introducing a new generation to one of the world’s oldest sports PHOTOS BY COURTNEY KELLY

hicago Polo Academy is helping introduce a new generation of players to the sport. Located in Maple Park, Illinois, the academy hosts scheduled competitive tournaments and offers riding lessons, polo instruction, and practices for students under the direction of Thomas Rubenacker, who came from Córdoba, Argentina, to establish the program. The academy operates on Old Oak Brook Farm in Maple Park, property owned by Douglass Giebel, president of McFarlane Douglass, based in Burr Ridge, Illinois. An active player himself, Giebel shares the same passion as Rubenacker, having grown up playing the sport as a young man, and has opened his grounds to the Chicago Polo Academy for practices, lessons, and matches. Chicago Polo Academy also invites spectators to join the welcoming party, an opportunity to meet the players and learn more about the sport of polo, featuring a traditional Argentinian barbecue and bringing the polo community closer together while linking newcomers with its rich traditions. For more information, visitwww.ChicagoPoloAcademy.info.

Thomas Runenacker, Owner Chicago Polo Academy

Douglass Giebel and Seamus Tuohy of Douglass McFarlane

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Luxury at Hom Bringing the resort and country club experience home BY HINSDALE MAGAZINE GROUP STAFF

uxury living today is less about square footage and more about creating ahome that rivals a five-star resort. Homeowners are investing in spaces that promote wellness, recreation, and everyday enjoyment, bringing experiences once found only at luxury hotels and private clubs into their own homes.

Wellness at Home INFRARED SAUNAS More energy-efficient than traditional saunas, infrared models have become a staple in luxury wellness suites. COLD PLUNGE POOLS Often paired with saunas, cold plunges are one of today’s fastestgrowing home wellness features for recovery and relaxation. TEAM SHOWERS Think aromatherapy, chromotherapy lighting, digital controls and built-in

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sound systems—all inside the primary bath. RECOVERY ROOMS Dedicated spaces featuring massage chairs, stretching areas, compression therapy and wellness equipment. HOME FITNESS STUDIOS Boutique-style gyms with rubber flooring, mirrored walls, integrated technology and spaces designed for strength training, yoga or Pilates.

CIRCADIAN LIGHTING Smart lighting that automatically adjusts throughout the day to mimic natural sunlight and support healthy sleep patterns.

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A Guide to Some of the OLDEST PLACES IN CHICAGO Explore the landmarks, hotels, businesses, and institutions that have preserved Chicago’s rich history for generations BY SOPHIA SCHIAPPA

Buckingham Fountain Photo by Stephen Walker

TIMELESS TOURIST ATTRACTIONS Buckingham Fountain Buckingham Fountain is a monumental Beaux-Artsstyle fountain located in Grant Park, Chicago. Dedicated in 1927, it is one of the largest fountains in the world and a defining feature of Chicago’s lakefront landscape. Known for its spectacular water displays and nighttime light shows, it serves as a central landmark symbolizing the city’s brilliance.

BAROQUE BUILDINGS The Monadnock Building The Monadnock Building is a historic high-rise office building in Chicago, Illinois. It is celebrated as a pivotal example of late 19th-century commercial architecture. Completed in two stages between 1891 and 1893, it embodies the transition from traditional masonry construction to steel-frame skyscraper design, marking a milestone in urban engineering and aesthetics.

Art Institute of Chicago The Art Institute of Chicago is one of the oldest and largest art museums in the United States, located in downtown Chicago along Michigan Avenue. Known for its impressive collection of impressionist and post-impressionist art, the Art Institute attracts visitors and locals alike.

Water Tower The Chicago Water Tower is a historic landmark and one of the few surviving structures from the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. Built in 1869 from yellow Joliet limestone, it stands as a symbol of the city’s resilience and an early example of Gothic Revival civic architecture. Even though the Water Tower is not in use in the municipal water system, the interior serves as an art gallery that is managed directly by the city of Chicago. HINSDALE MAGAZINE | HinsdaleMag.com

HISTORIC HOTELS The Drake Hotel The Drake Hotel is one of Chicago’s most iconic historic hotels, anchoring the north end of the Magnificent Mile where Michigan Avenue meets Lake Michigan. Since its opening, the hotel has welcomed royalty and celebrities for more than a century while retaining its grand, old-world elegance. Guests are drawn to its ornate architecture, legendary Palm Court afternoon tea, classic Coq d’Or lounge, and unbeatable location steps from Oak Street Beach and the city’s premier shopping and dining.

Monadnock Building seen from VanBuren Street.

Palmer House Hilton The Palmer House Hilton, located in Chicago’s Loop, was built originally in 1871 by Potter Palmer as a wedding gift for his wife, Bertha. Celebrated as North America’s longest continuously operating hotel, key highlights include its grand Gilded Age lobby, the birthplace of the original brownie, and a prime location near Millennium Park. OLDEST ORGANIZATIONS Chicago Historical Society The Chicago Board of Trade was founded in 1848 and is the oldest organized futures exchange in the United States. Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, it sparked standardized futures contracts and became a foundation of modern commodities and financial derivatives trading worldwide.

University Club of Chicago The University Club of Chicago is a private social and athletic club located in downtown Chicago, Illinois. Established in 1887, it is one of the city’s oldest and most prestigious membership clubs, known for its Collegiate Gothic-style clubhouse and deep ties to Chicago’s cultural and professional communities.

Chicago Yacht Club Photo courtesy of Chicago Yacht Club

Chicago Yacht Club The Chicago Yacht Club prides itself on keeping boating accessible to residents of all ages and backgrounds. It stands as one of the oldest and most prestigious yacht clubs in the United States. The club boasts two locations located on Monroe Street and Belmont Avenue with amenities such as dining, meeting spaces, and social events year-round. A BOLD BUSINESS Central Camera Co. Central Camera Co. is one of the oldest camera stores in the United States. Opening in 1899, founder Albert Flesch vowed to offer the most up-to-date camera equipment to his customers. A devastating fire completely destroyed the company’s original location on 31 E. Adams St., but it quickly rebuilt after receiving donations and support from members of the local community. After its reopening, Central Camera Co. has remained a hotspot for photography enthusiasts across the Chicago metropolitan area. n

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Uniquely Thursdays PHOTOS BY SOPHIA SCHIAPPA

Uniquely Thursdays highlighted everything that made downtown Hinsdale unique. Live performances, outdoor dining, shopping specials and children’s activities transformed Thursday evenings into a celebration of the village’s vibrant business district, encouraging residents and visitors alike to explore, shop and dine locally.

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C ompassionateC are SERVING THE COMMUNITY SINCE 1984.

We’re dedicated to providing personalized, professional and compassionate services to help lighten your burden and support you through the difficult times that follow the loss of a loved one. You can rely on us to provide your family with the highest quality care and service in your time of need.

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PHOTOS BY SAM LAURENCE

Daisy Days returned to downtown Clarendon Hills with two days of family fun, live music, carnival rides, local food, games and community spirit. Hosted by the Clarendon Hills Chamber of Commerce, the annual festival drew families and friends downtown for a weekend of summer entertainment, community traditions and small-town celebration.

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Daisy Days

Step Into the Shadows of History This October The Annual Historic Cemetery Walk Saturday, October 24 4-7pm Sunday, October 25 4-7pm This October, take a lantern-lit stroll through Bronswood Cemetery as costumed actors bring local legends to life. Experience powerful true stories of the pioneers who shaped our community — all portrayed by GreenMan Theatre Troupe. 1-Hour Guided Walk Live Performances at Every Stop Complimentary Seasonal Refreshments Tickets: Adults $25, Students $10, Children under 10 FREE with a paying adult Presented by Bronswood Cemetery and The Oak Brook Historical Society

Featuring Players from GreenMan Theatre Troupe

Get Tickets

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