Des Plaines Memory

12/27/2024

The June Rold School of Dance presents excerpts from "The Nutcracker" in the Des Plaines mall in 1988.

11/12/2024

We are back! 🤓

HAPPY VETERANS DAY ❤️🤍💙🇺🇸

Des Plaines Memory is back - and celebrating Veterans Day! On this day, the country focuses on honoring the veterans who have served and sacrificed for the common good.⁠
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Follow the link read our new Des Plaines Memory post ➡️ https://www.dppl.org/blog/post/des-plaines-memory-is-back-and-celebrating-veterans-day

12/16/2021

In 1952, Santa Claus visited Des Plaines on this frozen over United Motor Coach bus from the North Pole! Bus driver Kenneth J. Fredricks, standing in front of the bus, assisted Santa and visited with the children on this North Pole express on Santa's behalf. Des Plaines based United Motor Coach was the precursor to today's Pace Bus.

12/10/2021

12/10/2021

A solitary man makes his way down the snowy sidewalks of Lee Street, just south of Ellinwood Street, sometime in the 1930s or 1940s. The sign for Muench's Drug Store is in the center of the block at right.

11/22/2021

Amanda and Willie Lewerenz feed their pet goat in the backyard of the Immanuel Lutheran Parsonage on Lee Street, circa 1890s-1900s. Their father, Rev. William Lewerenz, was Pastor of Immanuel Lutheran from 1891-1911.

11/09/2021

We're excited to see the reopening of the Des Plaines Theatre! Stop by the History Center to view a mini-exhibit that contains photos, artifacts, and history from 1925 forward. On display through the end of 2021.

11/09/2021

In 1938, the Des Plaines Theatre marquee advertised showings of "Arsene Lupin Returns" and "Her Jungle Love". To mark the reopening of the Des Plaines Theatre, a mini-exhibit on the theatre's history is on display at the History Center through the end of the year. Stop by to see a set of the original marquee letters, the same ones spelling out Des Plaines on the marquee in this photo!

11/05/2021

Well-known Des Plaines business Square Deal Shoes was founded in 1921 by Luigi Capozzoli and celebrates their 100th anniversary this year. This photo of Miner Street in 1971 shows Square Deal Shoes at left as it appeared at the time of the store’s 50th anniversary. Square Deal Shoes' 1971 neighbors were Wahl Jewelers at far left and at right, Sebastian Real Estate, Piggy's Market, and Sears.

11/05/2021

A view down Ellinwood Street looking west, taken from the intersection with Pearson Street, circa 1916. Behren's General Merchandise Store is the store at the corner.

10/13/2021

The Des Plaines Theatre, as it appeared in 1936, a year after the art deco marquee was added. Interested in learning more about the Des Plaines Theatre's history? Check out our mini exhibit on the theatre, on display at the History Center through Dec. 31!

10/01/2021

It's October 1st. Get out your 🎃 and check out the upcoming programs at the Des Plaines History Center

"Tour Des Plaines" Saturday, October 2 9:00AM departure $25 per registrant The History Center along with the City of Des Plaines and Bike & Walk Des Plaines will host a guided historical tour of downtown and several neighborhoods on bicycle! We will make several stops along the way to engage with th...