Hinsdale in DuPage County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

The Memorial Building and Outdoor Plaza

Hinsdale Sesquicentennial

— 1873-2023 —

The Memorial Building and Outdoor Plaza Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, January 26, 2025

1. The Memorial Building and Outdoor Plaza Marker

Inscription. In 1927, the Memorial Building was built to honor Hinsdaleans who served in war and to pay tribute to those brave soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. Funding for the Memorial Building was raised from grateful Hinsdaleans.

This historic landmark is the centerpiece of our Village. Situated at the heart of Hinsdale, the Memorial Building grounds and Plaza have served as the Village's front lawn for nearly a century. In 2023, Hinsdale celebrated its 150th Anniversary of Incorporation; Hinsdale's Sesquicentennial. To commemorate this milestone, the Memorial Building Outdoor Plaza was renovated and revitalized. Our community again came together, and through the generosity of many donors, this project was completed.

In 2024, Thomas Cauley, Village of Hinsdale President, along with the Board of Trustees, dedicated this Plaza to Hinsdale's brave soldiers, countless residents, community leaders, organizations and businesses who have contributed to our heritage.

Erected 2024 by Village of Hinsdale.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Patriots & Patriotism. A significant historical year for this entry is 1927.

Location. 41° 48.25′ N,

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87° 55.702′ W. Marker is in Hinsdale, Illinois, in DuPage County. It is on Chicago Avenue near Washington Street, on the right. The marker is to the left of the stairway into the Memorial Building. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 19 Chicago Avenue, Hinsdale IL 60521, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Greater Chicago.

It is also in the American Midwest

and on the Great Lakes.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture

and also the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Lance Cpl. Lester Weber USMC (approx. 0.6 miles away); Veeck Park (approx. 0.8 miles away); Ben Fuller House (approx. 1.1 miles away); The Coldest Job in Town (approx. 1.2 miles away); Hinsdale Central High School First Night Game (approx. 1.2 miles away); Lloyd R. Church (approx. 1.4 miles away); Clarendon Hills Honor Roll World War II

Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, January 26, 2025

2. The Memorial Building and Outdoor Plaza Marker

A small plaque designating the building as a Hinsdale Landmark can be seen to the right of the door.

(approx. 1.4 miles away); H.G. Maxted (approx. 1½ miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Hinsdale.

More about this marker. To the right of stairway is another marker of similar style listing the political leaders and benefactors of the 2024 plaza renovation. Another small plaque denoting the Memorial Building as a Hinsdale Landmark is affixed to the buliding near the door. The interior of the building includes a plaque honoring Hinsdale's war veterans.

Also see . . .
1. Hinsdale 150: Memorial Building Historic Plaza and Roof Railing.

Excerpt: "The Memorial Building was built to honor Hinsdale residents who served in the wars, a tribute particularly to those who went out from the Village and did not return. Mr. Philip R. Clarke, Chairman of the Hinsdale Memorial Building Committee appreciated that the project must be community-wide in order to truly express the gratitude and civic pride of the Village. It was unanimously agreed that the memorial should take the form of a functional building. To erect a building to serve, and honor those who served, impressed the Committee as an utmost tribute to the
Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, January 26, 2025

3. The Memorial Building
memory of their heroes. In April 1927, the plans of architect Edwin H. Clark for the new Hinsdale Memorial Building at 19 E. Chicago Avenue were accepted at a Village meeting, and a drive began to raise the $150,000 needed to pay for the project. Ninety percent of the funds needed were raised by the end of the first week."

(Submitted on January 27, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.)

2. Hinsdale Historical Society: Memorial Building.

Excerpt: "The original main building, dedicated on July 4, 1928, housed the Village offices, Public Library, American Legion, and Boy Scouts. The landscaping, clock tower, and bell were installed and dedicated the following year."

(Submitted on January 27, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.)

The Memorial Building and Outdoor Plaza dedication marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, January 26, 2025

4. The Memorial Building and Outdoor Plaza dedication marker

This marker to the right of the stairway lists political leaders and benefactors involved in the 2024 plaza renovation. The text reads:

To commemorate the Village of Hinsdale's 150th Anniversary of Incorporation, the Memorial Building Outdoor Plaza was renovated and revitalized in 2024. The Village of Hinsdale is grateful to all the residents and businesses who supported this endeavor and the 150th milestone. We recognize their generosity, meaningful contribution and support.

Hinsdale Village Board
Thomas Cauley, Jr., Village President
Scott Banke, Village Trustee
Alexis Braden, Village Trustee
Neale Byrnes, Village Trustee
Michelle Fisher, Village Trustee
Matt Posthuma, Village Trustee
Luke Stifflear, Village Trustee

Hinsdale Public Library
John Bloomfield, President
Magda Sokolowski, Vice President
Ying Lucy Zhou, Secretary
Megan Mikhail, Treasurer
Kim Kiyosaki, Trustee
Dick Munson, Trustee
Chun Ye, Trustee

Leadership
Hinsdale Bank and Trust
Hinsdale Chamber of Commerce
James P. Bouchard Family

Benefactor
Anonymous
Bella Cosa Jewelers
RJ Dorazio
Laurel M. and William N. Haarlow
Bill Jacobs Jaguar Land Rover Hinsdale
McLaren Chicago
UChicago Medicine AdventHealth Hinsdale"

Credits. This page was last revised on January 27, 2025. It was originally submitted on January 27, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois. This page has been viewed 244 times since then and 40 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on January 27, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.