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w I n T e r 2 011 • v o l u M e 3 0 • n u M B e r 3
in this issue
The Craft of a Berwyn Tailor
From the Workbench
21st Antique and Collectible Sale
Berwyn’s Centennial Oral History Project
1
3
5
6
Update on World War I Memorial
BHS Membership and Donations
In Rememberance...
Renew your membership!
6
7
7
8
The Craft of a Berwyn Tailor
By Elinor Schoback Lynch, Palm Desert, CA
My father, Louis Schoback, was proprietor of a tailoring business at 2144 South
Clarence Avenue in Berwyn from 1927
through 1948. I was just a year old when
he leased a store and started the business
in a recently built two-story building at
22nd Street (Cermak Road) and Clarence
Avenue, housing several stores, apartments
and professional offices. It was a good location for a business – near the Douglas Park
“L” line which ran from Oak Park Avenue,
the end of the line, all the way to downtown
Chicago.
Dad had arrived in this country in September
1913, at the age of 20. Born in what was then
Austria-Hungary, he left his family home at the
age of 14½ to be apprenticed to a tailor in the
city of Zagreb, now the major city in Croatia. He
received room and board from the master tailor
and his wife, but no wages. However, he learned
the trade which would serve him well during his
lifetime. In the four years of Dad’s teen-age apprenticeship, he was able to go home to visit his family at Christmas just twice.
Lef T : LOuIs schOBacK,
B e r w y n T a I L O r , 19 27 – 194 8
B o T T o M : f o r T h o s e w h o M ay
h av e n e v e r s e e n a r e a l
Tailor’s ThiMBle – which is
OPen aT The fIng er TIP.
i M ag e s p r o v i d e d B y w r i T e r .
After completing
his apprenticeship he heard
from other young tailors-to-be of opportunities in
European cities and eventually joined one of his friends
in moving to Vienna, and ultimately to Zurich, Switzerland, securing employment with a busy tailor who made
c O n T I n u e d O n P ag e 2
T h e c r a f t o f a B e r w y n T ay lo r Co n ti n u e d
uniforms for the waiters on the French Riviera. He loved the lively
tempos of both Vienna and Zurich, especially Zurich, where he said he
was paid in gold. But his two older brothers who were already in America kept writing him to join them, and Dad decided to go to America.
After arriving in America and going through processing at Ellis Island, he boarded a train to Gary, Indiana, to the home of his married
brother Andrew. One of the first things he did was to register for
evening school to learn the English language. He had become fluent in German in Austria and Switzerland but believed in learning
and speaking the language of one’s adopted country and he attended
classes for about two years.
As a bachelor he was free to travel to various cities where he always
found work – Pittsburgh, PA, Youngstown, OH, Dubuque, IA, and
Chicago, IL, which proved to be my father’s definitive move because
there he met and married my mother. Mother and Dad later were employed by Hart Schaffner & Marx. Although Dad’s goal was to be a designer, with that company he was told he was too young. So he decided
to go into business for himself, and Berwyn was chosen because it was
a vital, growing community. Mother, who had been born in Chicago,
frequently assisted Dad in the new shop with some of the basic tasks.
As the business grew, he employed an extra tailor from time to time.
While Dad’s real satisfaction came from creating garments, he also
accommodated his customers who wanted dry cleaning service, using
the best company he could find in Berwyn, the Pershing Road Cleaners, to do an expert job. He even bought a fur machine and turned
outdated women’s fur coats into stylish updated coats and jackets with
beautiful new linings, pleasing many who did not realize that such a
thing could be accomplished. Working with fur skins was a demanding but profitable task, and very interesting to observe.
The samples of Scottish woolens in Dad’s Berwyn store were intriguing to me as a child. There were beautiful tweeds, twills and worsteds. Everything was made of wool because synthetics or blends did
not exist at that time. The swatches, or samples, arrived each season
on rectangular white sample cards from his supplier who represented
a company in Kilmarnock, Scotland, and from them, Dad chose bolts
of woolen fabrics that he felt might be popular with his customers,
displaying them in a showcase and also showing them as samples. Linings, buttons, spools of silk thread, and other necessary items needed
in his trade for making men’s suits were called “trimmings.” He drove
into Chicago to purchase them, and I accompanied him frequently.
It was interesting to see the progress of a suit from Dad’s careful
cutting with his special tailor’s shears on a large oak table through
the progressive phases until it was time for the customer to come in
for a first fitting before the long mirror. If additional corrections were
Co n ti n u e d o n p ag e 3
w w w. b e r w y n h i s to r i c a l s o c i e t y . o r g
2
Our Mission is to preserve, protect
and promote architectural and historic
resources in Berwyn through advocacy
and education.
The Berwyn Historical Society was formed
in 1979 to save the Berwyn train station. Its
purpose is to preserve the history of Berwyn.
The Society is an all-volunteer, non-profit
organization whose membership is open to all
individuals, families, community organizations
and businesses. Our office is located in the
North Berwyn Congregational Church,
1241 South Oak Park Avenue. Membership includes educational programs, invitation to special
events and quarterly newsletters.
To volunteer or for more
i n f o r m a t i o n , c o n t a c t US :
email: [email protected]
phone: (708) 484-0020 or
mail: Berwyn Historical Society,
PO Box 479, Berwyn, IL 60402
B o a r d M e mb e r s
Reverend David Olson President
Kristine Dillon Vice President
Diane Mastny Treasurer
Sabine Krauss Secretary
Tammy Clausen
Matt Schademann
Josephine Tucci
Kristine Dillon Graphic Design
Sabine Krauss Layout
Past-Times is a publication of the BHS.
Copyright©2011
We welcome replies to the information
contained in this newsletter. Article
contributions are also welcome. Please call or
write us at the above address. The Past-Times
newsletter is a membership benefit of
the Berwyn Historical Society.
T h e c r a f t o f a B e r w y n T ay lo r Co n ti n u e d
How Green Was My Valley, said it best:
needed they would be noted with chalk and careful measurements were taken. Eventually the finished garment
was complete and ready for delivery. Dad always used the
words “garments” – never just “clothes” – and to him, it
was a “suit of clothes” – never just a “suit.”
“Every man to his business, but indeed the craft of a tailor
is beyond all doubt as noble and as secret as any in the world.
To take a bolt of cloth and work with such simple tools as
chalk, needle and thread, scissors and hot iron, and bring
from them a suit to fit every little bump and crevice of the
body, without ugliness, is a royal mystery indeed, and ancient
beyond the knowledge of man, for all mankind has had joy
to deck himself, right from the beginning, and none shall say
when that was”. ‡
Custom tailors who make suits of clothes which fit perfectly are now almost a thing of the past, and those expert
tailors are treasured by those who can afford to patronize
them. I believe that the Welsh author, Richard Llewellyn,
writing about the craft of Welsh tailors in his classic work,
From The Workbench
T his
is the first article in a series dedicated to the homeowner who loves vintage
housing .
B erwyn
M att S chademann
will expl ain how many of the original features of our
homes were constructed and intended to function , and he ’ ll share tips for
restoration , retrofitting and maintenance so you can remain faithful to the original
design of your house .
restoration. When I came across one that also had such
valued features as stained glass windows, subway tiles, a
fireplace and oak trim, I knew I was hooked!
By Matt Schademann
I believe it goes without saying that one of the crown
jewels of Berwyn is the awesome collection of bungalows.
The unprecedented prosperity of the roaring 20s
paved the way for a torrent of homebuilding in which
innovation was paired with high quality craftsmanship
and an abundance of resources. A good two-thirds of our
city was built during this time. According to a study by
the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, Berwyn has
the most significant collection of bungalows in the United
States.
On the other hand, what was I getting into? I’m not a
craftsman by trade, I’m a photographer. One hour after
closing on my house, I rushed in with my new set of old
keys, a pry bar, work gloves and a utility knife, and began
the process of ripping up the 40-year-old carpeting to get
to the hardwoods underneath. I couldn’t wait! It should
only take me a half hour to pull it all up, right? Or so I
thought. Four hours later I realized that nothing about
restoring the house was going to be fast or easy. It was
going to be a daunting process that would discourage
and overwhelm me time and again. I quickly learned this
was to be a marathon, not a sprint. I also learned that
planning and research would be vital to any project I’d
tackle in my new domain. At the very worst, damaging
something was not an option and at best in error, I would
have to redouble my efforts if I was not careful.
So what is it about the housing from this era that
appeals to so many people? Is it the style? Floor plan?
Structural fortitude? Building materials? My answer is
‘yes’. My own exhausting search for a home began three
years ago; I was looking for an affordable vintage house
with proximity to the Loop, and my search eventually led
me to Berwyn. A native of the Northwest side, I’ve lived,
worked and played along the “Bungalow Belt”* and have
always admired vintage homes. My search criteria were
set: If I could find a house that had not been irreparably
altered from original design, I was up for the challenge of
My dad was a painter, paperhanger and wood
refinisher for several decades, and has amassed a wealth
of knowledge in this time. I’ve picked up technique and
Co n ti n u e d o n p ag e 4
* A t e r m t h a t r e f e r s t o t h e c r e s c e n t s h a p e , f o r m e d b y t h e
n u m e r o u s b u n g a l o w s t h a t s u r r o u n d t h e c i t y o f C h i c ag o .
3
w w w. b e r w y n h i s to r i c a l s o c i e t y . o r g
From the Workbench Continued
that we do the best we can within these constraints, and
any restoration undertaking is going to be a hybrid of old
and new materials, even styles. Beautifully well-preserved
vintage light fixtures can be bought, in many cases for less
than new ones, and reproduction push-button switches
are readily available. So many of the working functions in
these intelligently designed homes can be brought back
to life without replacing (hinged storms, sash-window
ropes, etc.). Unfortunately, original features in many
vintage homes have been removed over the years in favor
of “new and improved” versions, when without too much
effort, they could have been restored and saved.
procedural workflow from him over the years, just as he
had from his father. From out of state, Dad’s been able
to make it to my house several times a year. We agreed
from the start that he would not do the work for me, but
rather, demonstrate how he approached a task. From him
I learned how to dismantle molding and framework, strip
woodwork, remove nails, stain, sand, patch and prep. I
also gained a respectful understanding of the nature with
which vintage homes were constructed and how building
materials behave when you do “X, Y, and Z” to them.
Once dad got me started and was confident I could work
on my own, his departure fueled my desire to work on my
projects with my newly acquired skills. If you had asked
me what the goal was for my house when my agent sealed
the deal, I would have shouted without hesitation, “To
bring it back to 1927!!” Three years later I’m on my way
to achieving that. But wait, they didn’t use polyurethane
in the 20s! How much of a purist can I be with modern
materials at my disposal? It would be almost impossible to
completely restore a house from this time period back to
its original construction. Light switches and wiring would
not be up to code, lead pipes are out of the question, and
lead paint has been banned from existence. I now realize
I believe this is a new era, an awakening and hunger
for a much greater respect for the craftsmanship of these
homes. Numerous books have been written about them,
and there are countless websites for enthusiasts looking
to retrofit a house, and of suppliers providing the tools to
do so. Even if you are not of the mindset to restore your
entire house all at once (and believe me that is a precarious
mindset to be in once you start), you may be thinking
“what if?” or “I’d love to tackle that one day.” With big
dreams or baby steps, this column is dedicated to you. ‡
Do you want a 2011 “Bungalows & More” tour?
We
do and we need your help !
We need help at every step of the way, with planning,
searching for houses, putting up posters and flyers,
publicity, researching house histories, writing text for
docents to share, set-up for the event, being a docent, just
to name a few, all culminating in an event that presents
the unique homes and the city of Berwyn in an engaging,
professional and positive way.
By Sabine Krauss “Bungalows & More” Committee Chair
Thanks to the BHS’s “Historic Berwyn’s Bungalow
Tour” I feel like a Berwynite or a Berwyner, as some
t-shirt says. Thanks to this event I am involved in my
community and have met, and am meeting, many wonderful and interesting people.
My involvement started with a flyer I saw in a store in
2006, the year of the first tour. I was a docent for all 4 tours,
and last year, I was involved early on in the planning where I
learned a great deal from Kristine Dillon and David Olson,
as well as other board members who had been involved in
past tours. The BHS has many things planned for 2011,
and I am dedicated to having the 5th “Bungalows &
More” tour take place this year. However, the tour could
never take place without YOU, the volunteer.
w w w. b e r w y n h i s to r i c a l s o c i e t y . o r g
If you have not come forward yet to offer your help, I
hope this little plea will give you the push you need. If
you know someone who may be willing to help, please tell
them to contact us. If you have or know someone with a
beautiful house to showcase in the tour, please email us at
[email protected] or call my personal cell
phone at 708.743.2428.
Let’s make it happen!
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21st Annual Antique Show – Save the Date!
am intrigued by the stories they whisper about a person, a
place, or a specific time in history. A fellow board member
who strives to live a “green” lifestyle loves the notion of
“recycling” and is very keen to give an old treasure a new
home. Another board member is a purist and is restoring
his home; he is on the lookout for the “real McCoy” so
to speak. He has hunted down authentic period light fixtures, a thermostat, even
tile for his bathroom floor.
My friends Mary and Gail
love the look of colorful
Bakelite jewelry and are
often seen wearing multiple pieces. Mary shared
that Bakelite jewelry was
favored by the famous
fashion designer Coco
Chanel, who was known
to have worn numerous
bracelets at a time.
By Kristine Dillon Antique Show Committee Chair
On Sunday, April 10, 2011, the Berwyn Historical Society
(BHS) is holding its 21st Annual Antique Show from 9
am to 3 pm. As the chairman of this year’s event, I’d like
to share how our show began, a bit about antiques and
the treasures you may find for sale.
Jackie Wawrzyniak-Kveton, a long-time board member
of the BHS, introduced the
idea of an antique show as a
way to raise money for the
organization. At the time,
Jackie sold antiques at the
Kane County Fairgrounds
during the weekend. It
was logical to assume that
other members of the BHS
would also enjoy antiques,
after all, many people who
enjoy history also enjoy the
objects that pertain to it.
The first show was held in
the basement of the church
M y fav o r i T e f i n d f r o M a B h s a n T i Q u e s a l e , a n
where the BHS is currently
O L d d u T c h T r a n s f e r wa r e B O w L c I r c a 18 78 .
housed. As the event became
more popular and the need
Here are some of the items commonly found at our sale.
for more room increased,
the venue was moved to the
vintage clothing
vintage linens/bedding
Pavek Community Center,
depression glass
bakelite and costume
where it is held to this day.
ephemera
jewelry
So what is an antique?
art pottery
The web site “Wikipedia”
books/bookends
gives this explanation: “An
vintage Christmas/holiday
antique (Latin: antiquus;
old) is an old collectible
item. It is collected or desirable because of its age, beauty,
rarity, condition, utility, personal emotional connection,
and/or other unique features. It is an object that represents
a previous era or time period in human society.” In the
1930s, the U.S. Customs Office determined that an
antique is an item with at least 100 years of age.
coins
hats
prints
Much of what is sold
at our annual sale falls
under the category of
“smalls.” The term refers
to objects that can be
picked up by hand and
easily transported. While
I doubt you’ll find a chair
by one of the great 18th
Century New England
cabinet makers, you’re very
likely to find a treasured
object like your grandma
or
great-grandmother
used and loved.
I hope you’ll attend the show. Admission is still only
$2.00. If you’re not a fan of antiques, then stop by to see
some “old friends” and say hello. We’d love to see you.
The antique show will feature a bake sale and raffle
drawing which will be held throughout the day. If you
wish to have your lunch while shopping, we’ll be selling
crumbly burgers, chips and soda pop until supplies run
out. ‡
For those who like antiques, what makes them so appealing? I’d answer this question by telling you I love the
beauty or charm of a bygone era that antiques possess. I
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w w w. B e r w y n h I s T O r I c a L s O c I e T y . O r g
Berwyn’s Centennial Oral History Project
i nTerviews
wiTh
f ive l iving m ayors
Morton West’s video class, under the tutelage of teacher
Robert Moriarty, created the DVD with music and photo
inclusion.
By Tammy Clausen
In the century following its incorporation on June 6,
1908, the City of Berwyn flourished under the leadership
of 22 men who served in the Office of Mayor. In
celebration of our city’s 100th Anniversary, June 6, 2008June 6, 2009, members of the Berwyn Public Library’s
Oral History Committee, chaired by the then library
board secretary Eileen Pech, sat down with our five living
mayors and talked about the events that shaped Berwyn’s
political history over nearly four decades (1977 – 2009).
Highlights of those interviews are featured in a DVD and
preserved in the Time Capsule commemorating Berwyn’s
Centennial Year.
The material selected for the DVD presents a human
portrait of the five mayors who shaped Berwyn in the
latter part of its first century. The featured mayors were
Thomas Hett (1977-1981), John Naughton (1981-1981),
Joseph Lanzillotti (1981-1993), Thomas Shaughnessy
(1993-2005), and Michael O’Connor (2005-2009).
As the centennial year drew to a close, citywide elections
brought a new mayor into office. The DVD opens with
the swearing in of Robert Lovero, Berwyn’s 23rd mayor,
a testimonial to the orderly transfer of power that has
sustained our city over the last 100 years and an indication
of the changes to come as Berwyn prospers and grows in
the century ahead.
The creation of this film was sponsored by the Berwyn
Public Library in cooperation with the Berwyn Historical
Society and Morton West High School. The film features
music provided by the Morton West High School Band.
Eileen Pech conducted the interviews at the library,
Craig Schumacher created the raw video coverage, and
Copies of the complete and unedited audio and video
recordings of these interviews are being preserved at the
Library and Berwyn Historical Society. ‡
Update on World War I Memorial
By David Olsen President
A Berwyn Historic Landmark designation for the World
War I Memorial, mentioned in the Fall 2010 edition of
Past-Times, is being sought by Lucile Evans and Don Pechous. As local history enthusiasts, the two were largely
responsible for re-discovering and restoring the memorial, which had fallen into a state of neglect. The memorial was rededicated in November 2010, with more than
400 people in attendance. It is located at 34th Street and
Ogden Avenue.
Evans and Pechous have filed the Historic Landmark
nomination with the city of Berwyn, based on the criteria of “architectural, cultural, economic, historic or social
significance.” The Berwyn Historic Preservation Commission will meet on Feb. 17 to make their recommendation, and the Berwyn City Council will make the final
determination shortly thereafter. ‡
w w w. B e r w y n h I s T O r I c a L s O c I e T y . O r g
f r o M T o p : d o n p e c h o u s a n d l u c i l e e va n s a T T h e c e r e M o n y
pho T ogr aphy By MaT T schadeMann
6
BHS Membership & Donations
T he BHS
thanks our members who renewed their memberships , and welcomes its
newest members .
We
also ex tend a special thank you to those who made donations .
Ellie & Bernie Babka
Gary Greene
Thomas & Gail Lofgren
Doris Remp
Jim & Char Bala
Charles Gremp
Elinor Lynch*
Laurie & Jon Richter
Dorothy Bastian*
Charles & Linda Gutfeld New!
Lin Mayer & John Lynch
Linda & Ed Rios*
Robert Baumruk*
Doraine Harris
John & Deborah Lynch
Jaime & Margarita Rivera*
Lawrence Bell*
Thomas R.Heyduk
Edwin E. Lyons
Helen & Albert Rodig*
Laura Wacker Benak*
Rita Heyduk
Frank & Elizabeth Magallon
Joan Rossi
Ronald Benes
Bruce & Carolyn Hilk
Jo Ann Marciszewski*
Ivan Salinas
Dolores Benes-Duy
Vera Hlavacek
Elinor Marciszewski
Matt Schademann New!
Tom Brandsness
David Hoogakker
Frank & Diane Mastny
Sabine Krauss & Leighton Shell
James Bratager
Brian Strand & Marie Hovi*
Marge Matyaszek
Thomas & Ald. Michele Skryd
Debbie & Steve Busch*
C. Cutler Humiston
Victor Mazylewski*
James Stella
Ed & Ursula Carroll
James Irmis
LesLea McGuire*
Charles & Lois Sterba
Gloria Chance*
William & Marian Istenik
Terry, Liz & Zoe McManmon
Gregory Suchan*
Mildred Chromcik*
Denise Jacob New!
Lawrence Meyer*
Shelby Sulin
Tammy, John, Max,
Grace Clausen*
Marilyn W. John*
Don Miller
Ruth Svestka*
Deborah Cullen
Carol Kala
Gary Lilly & Diane Minarik
Paula & Phil Swasko
Eileen Kash
Genevieve C. Misek
Lucille Szura*
Paul & Carol Knuti
Tony Molinaro
Rick Toman
Marian Konecny Vavrik
Mary & Ken Mottet
David Olson & Rick Torres
Thomas Koppes
Therese Motycko
Josephine Tucci
Ted Korbos*
Donald & Barbara Novak
Blanche Vedral*
Ludmilla Kovalsky
LaVergne Novak
Bruce Viner
Carol Kovarik West*
Kathryn O’Connor*
Ken Visek*
Ron Krueger
Dorothy Ondracek*
Jessica Vlack
Alan & Kelly Kubicz
Ted & Joyce Orland
Doug Walega
Viola Kuehling
Margaret E. Otto
Beverly & Trent Weable
George R. Lacina
Pat Paolicchi*
Richard Wenc
Virginia Lamana*
Donald Pechous
Ann Zabransky*
Carolyn Norris & Gary F. Langer*
Mary F. Peranteau*
John Zaremba*
Frances Geyer
Gary W. Miller & Lorene R.
Lederer-Decatur
Karen Quinn
Joanne P. Zendol
Wayne Gottwald*
Arlene Lencioni
Alexander Rassogianis
Gene Czajka
Elaine De Luca*
Lorraine DeBartolo*
Ruth Ehle
Lucile Evans
Fred Fairchild
Roxanne & Douglas Faulds
Robert & Sandra Fejt New!
Jon Fey*
Carol Frankovic
Margaret Lee Fullmer*
John Gariffo
Beth Gawron
John & Carol Raia
* Do n o r s
In Remembrance...
Our sincere condolences to the Shaughnessy family and friends on the passing of Thomas Shaughnessy
who died on December 21, 2010. Mr. Shaughnessy was Berwyn’s 21st mayor from 1993 to 2005. Prior
to becoming mayor, Mr. Shaughnessy served as city clerk. He was a long-time member and supporter of
the BHS. We’re saddened to say good-bye to a dear friend.
7
w w w. b e r w y n h i s to r i c a l s o c i e t y . o r g
A p p l i c at i o n f o r M e m b e r s h i p / V o l u n t e e r s
Name____________________________________________
Address___________________________________________
City/State/Zip_____________________________________
Phone (
)______________________________________
Email_____________________________________________
❑ Please contact me about volunteer opportunities.
BHS Annual Antique Show
antiques ✵ vintage treasures ✵ great fun!
❑ Family. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $20.00
Sunday, April 10TH 2011
9am to 3pm
Pavek Recreation Center
6501 31ST Street, Berwyn
❑ Business . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $30.00
(Between East Ave. and Gunderson)
❑S
enior Citizen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $10.00
❑S
tudent. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $10.00
❑ Individual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $15.00
❑ I would like to contribute a donation of $. . . . . . . . . . . .
❑ Please don’t mail a thank you note to me, I would
prefer the Society saves on resources and postage.
P l e a s e ma k e y o u r c h e c k o r m o n e y o r d e r
paya b l e t o : B e r w y n H i s t o r i c a l S o c i e t y
Mail to:
erwyn Historical Society
B
P.O. Box 479
Berwyn, IL 60402
P.O. Box 4 7 9
B e r w y n , I L 604 02
If you would like more information regarding this event,
please contact the Berwyn Historical Society:
708.484.0020
[email protected]
www.berwynhistoricalsociety.org