Niles Township in Skokie in Cook County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Village of Niles Center
Photographed By Sean Flynn, March 11, 2024
1. Village of Niles Center Marker
Village of Niles Center
was incorporated
in the year 1888
Adam Harrer being the
first president
Succeeding presidents were
John W. Brown
Peter Blameuser
George Sintzel
and
George H. Klehm
The first meeting place was
the fire engine house built
in 1887
The volunteer fire company
was organized in the year 1887
Erected 1927.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1888.
Location. 42° 1.565′ N, 87° 45.362′ W. Marker is in Skokie, Illinois, in Cook County. It is in Niles Township. Marker is at the intersection of Oakton Street and Floral Avenue, on the right when traveling east on Oakton Street. The marker is to the right of the entrance to Skokie Village Hall. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 5127 Oakton Street, Skokie IL 60077, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Holocaust Memorial (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); St. Peter's United Church of Christ (about 300 feet away); Historic Engine House (about 400 feet away); Historic Log Cabin (about 400 feet away); Veterans Memorial
this page online
More about this marker. Another plaque to the left of the entrance commemorates the dedication of the building in 1927.
Regarding Village of Niles Center. When this building was erected, the village was called Niles Center, an Americanization of its original name upon incorporation in 1888, Niles Centre. The village was renamed Skokie (the Potawatomi word for "marsh") in 1940, as it sought to differentiate itself from the nearby suburb Niles.
Skokie Village Hall sits on the site of a log cabin owned by Henry Harms, one of the area's earliest settlers. The hall was built in 1927 in the style of Philadelphia's Independence Hall, and has been renovated a few times in the past century.
The firehouse referenced on this plaque is still in existence a few hundred feet due south, and is now the home of the Skokie Historical Society.
Also see . . . Skokie’s Architectural Marvels: A Journey Through Time and Style
Photographed By Sean Flynn, March 11, 2024
2. Village of Niles Center Marker
The marker is partially obscured in this photo, to the right of the door.
Excerpt: "It was designed by Ralph Huszagh and completed in 1930, is an excellent example of Georgian Revival architecture. This red-brick building features a symmetrical façade, tall columns, and a pediment with a decorative frieze. The Village Hall houses the administrative offices of the Village of Skokie and is a testament to the community’s commitment to preserving its architectural heritage."(Submitted on March 14, 2024, by Sean Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.)
Photographed By Sean Flynn, March 11, 2024
3. Skokie Village Hall
Photographed By Sean Flynn, March 11, 2024
4. Village Hall dedication plaque
A plaque to the left of the entrance is dedicated to the building's opening in 1927 and lists the village officials and trustees at the time as well as the architect and contractors.
Courtesy of Chicago History Museum; Charles R. Childs, photographer, circa 1940
5. Skokie Village Hall
A view of the municipal building from around 1940; the plaques are visible near entryway.
Courtesy of Skokie Public Library
6. Adam Harrer, Niles Center's first village president
Harrer won the village's first election 40-1, according to a centennial history of Skokie produced in 1988.
Credits. This page was last revised on March 14, 2024. It was originally submitted on March 14, 2024, by Sean Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois. This page has been viewed 46 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on March 14, 2024, by Sean Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.
