HR0224 95TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0224 LRB095 11632 KXB 33684 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The history of the Village of South Chicago Heights dates back to the spring of 1833, when Adam Brown and his family stopped their wagon at the crossing of the Old Sauk Trail and the Chicago-Vincennes Road (today known as Brown's Corner), becoming the first permanent settlers to arrive from Elkhart, Indiana; Brown was the first purchaser of land in the south suburban area, then known as Thornton precinct, under the federal pre-emption act of 1833; and

WHEREAS, On September 8, 1838, Adam Brown purchased 480 acres of land in what is now Bloom Township; the land purchased was the area of the intersection of Vincennes Road, now Chicago Road or Dixie Highway, and the old Sauk Trail; his farm occupied all four corners, which were at the time the only crossroads of the nation; Brown's Corner played an important role in the development of the State of Illinois; many pioneers and travelers passed through the intersection, which was mainly a meeting and stopping place, as they traveled on their way to other parts of Illinois; local traditions suggest that Brown's Corner was a stop on the underground railroad; Brown's Corner continues to serve the traveling public; and

WHEREAS, On March 20, 1907, civic minded citizens from the Hannah and Keeney subdivisions of Chicago Heights voted to incorporate as a Village, and on May 7, 2007 adopted the trustee form of government at a public meeting held at the Chicago & Eastern Illinois Railroad passenger station, formerly located at 29th Street; and

WHEREAS, The first Village Hall was built in 1908 at 2835 Jackson Avenue; the Village of South Chicago Heights held its first election in 1908, with a total of 82 votes cast; and the volunteer fire department was organized in 1909; and

WHEREAS, Today the Village of South Chicago Heights provides many services to its residents; from fire and police protection, to water and sanitary services, the families in the community receive outstanding services while paying low taxes; currently, there are hundreds of existing businesses within the Village, and it is continually attracting new commercial enterprises to the community; and

WHEREAS, The Village of South Chicago Heights has grown through its commitment to serving the people through solid fiscal management under good government; and

WHEREAS, The Village recently built a new picnic pavilion located near the Senior Citizens Center, providing outdoor activities and programs; the Village provides a courtesy van transportation service; in the year 2000 the Village began acquiring Lake Michigan water; and

WHEREAS, According to the 2000 census, the Village has a population of 3,970 residents; the 100th anniversary of the Village of South Chicago Heights is being celebrated this year by Village President David L Owen, Trustees Tony Capua, Patrick J. DeFiore, Araceli "Sally" Marrufo, Terry L. Matthews, John M. Ross, and Michael J. Tilton; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-FIFTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate the people and government of the Village of South Chicago Heights on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the Village; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Village President David L. Owen as a symbol of our respect.