The West Chicago City Museum collects objects and artwork that relate to the history of the City and surrounding region. A glimpse of life can be witnessed through the objects of the past. These objects are cared for by the Museum and used in exhibits and research to display the rich history of this area.
Of special interest are artifacts that represent our main categories of collecting: Economic life, Government, Transportation, Natural environment, Community and Lifestyle. Of the thousands of items in the collections, there are numerous objects related to daily life, railroads, entertainment, pursuit of the arts and business. The Collections Highlights will give you just a hint of what the Museum holds in its collections.
The collections grow primarily through donation. Items for consideration are given careful evaluation to determine if they fit the museum’s collections. If you have a potential donation, please call Sally DeFauw, (630) 231-3376 or email museum@westchicago.org.
Baseball uniform and fielders glove, circa 1936. The uniform was worn by Stanley Gaede when he was a member of the baseball team during the years he worked at Geo. J. Ball Seed Co. Gift of the Gaede family, 1991.26.1-.2
Pullman china platter, 1943. This pattern was produced in New York by the Onondaga Pottery Company (commonly called Syracuse China), and labeled with the Pullman name for dining car use. 1982.132.4
Red Cross quilt, 1917. During World War I the local chapter of the American Red Cross in conjunction with the Woman’s Relief Corps made this quilt to raise funds for Christmas gifts for local members of the armed forces overseas. Gift of Grace McAleese Daleiden, 1981.176
Railroad torch, circa 1880, manufactured by Jenkins Bros. Stamped C. Kautz on side and bottom. Christian Kautz (1850-1910), railroad car inspector for the E. J. & E. railroad at the West Chicago yards. The light from the torch would have been used to inspect railroad cars. Gift of Willard and Lorraine Kautz, 2007.4.17
Cigar box, Feszler’s Best Fives. Jacob Feszler started his first cigar shop in West Chicago in 1880. Crates of tobacco leaves were imported and made into cigars on site. He eventually closed his shop and moved to California in 1926. Gift of John C. Kline 2001.30.1
Shaving cup, early 20th c. In 1885, Bayer’s barbershop added a unique piece of furniture that consisted of dressing cases and two washstands with marble top and bowl. In addition, there were eighty pigeonholes for shaving cups. The shaving cups were personalized for Bayer’s customers, as is this one for the local painter Wesley W. Rohr (1891-1951). Gift of Gordon Klingberg 1977.14.1
Baby shoes, circa 1895. Shoes belonging to Clarence Hayward (1894-1896). Clarence Hayward died as a toddler and the next boy born in the family was also given the name Clarence. The second Clarence Hayward lived from 1901-1979 and is buried in Glen Oak cemetery. Gift of the Hayward estate 1983.7.327
The High Trestle, by Louis E. Ransom (b. 1913). Oil on canvas, date unknown.
Lou Ransom moved to West Chicago in 1951. He became an enthusiastic member of the community, taught art classes and became involved in community art shows. His work has been exhibited at the Art Institute of Chicago and across the country. Gift of Louis E. Ransom and Margaret H. Ransom 2003.16.6
Hot blast barn lantern, circa 1920. Manufactured by Wheeling Stamping Company, West Virginia. This tubular style lantern was most likely used for domestic and farm application. The railroad was known to employ the use of the tubular style lantern, but without a railroad insignia, this was most likely used for domestic purposes. Gift of Ed Alamo 1987.41.5
Cloche hat, circa 1925. This hat was owned by one of the Hayward twins, Carrie (1899-1981) or Clara (1899-1982). Carrie Hayward’s diary mentions what she wore on most days and discusses her train rides from West Chicago to Chicago. Gift of the Hayward estate 1983.7.325
Portrait camera, circa 1905. As a young woman, Zelda DeTray Dunbar (1895-1978) studied photography and dramatic arts in Aurora. During the 1930s through 1950s she offered lessons in dramatic arts and a portrait studio out of her West Chicago home. Her photographs are noted for the fine quality of hand coloring. Gift of Dorothy Brown 1990.18
