Des Plaines in Cook County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Shari L. Caine Memorial Street Lamp

Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, March 21, 2025

1. Shari L. Caine Memorial Street Lamp

Inscription. In memory of Shari L. Caine
Executive Director 2011-2018
Electric street lights such as this illuminated the downtown area of early twentieth-century Des Plaines. These lights increased the safety and security of those walking and driving during dark hours. This lamp now stands as a testament to the electrification of our city.

Special thanks to
Joanne Heyden for donating the lamp
J.B. Metal Works for restoring the lamp
Des Plaines Park District for installing the lamp

Erected by Des Plaines History Center.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Roads & Vehicles • Science & Medicine. A significant historical year for this entry is 2011.

Location. 42° 2.342′ N, 87° 53.204′ W. Marker is in Des Plaines, Illinois, in Cook County. It is on Pearson Street north of East Prairie Avenue, on the right. The marker and lamppost are in front of the Kinder House, part of the Des Plaines History Center. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 781 Pearson Street, Des Plaines IL 60016, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Greater Chicago.

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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 Viceroyalty of New France,

the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

and the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Des Plaines Pumping Station Cornerstone (a few steps from this marker); Des Plaines Savings & Loan Association (a few steps from this marker); Des Plaines Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2992 (a few steps from this marker); Socrates Rand Grist Mill (a few steps from this marker); Elmer Zaleski (within shouting distance of this marker); Ernst Beth (within shouting distance of this marker); Ernest Mensching (within shouting distance of this marker); Anthony Biba (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Des Plaines.

Regarding Shari L. Caine Memorial Street Lamp. Shari Caine worked for the Des Plaines History Center for 21 years, including seven years as its executive director. She died

Electric Street Lamp Marker and Des Plaines mural image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, March 21, 2025

2. Electric Street Lamp Marker and Des Plaines mural

in 2018 at age 52 due to complications from neuroendocrine cancer.

Also see . . .
1. Des Plaines History Center official site. (Submitted on March 23, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.)
2. Shari L. Caine Memorial Street Lamp (YouTube). From the Des Plaines History Center (Submitted on March 24, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.)

Electric Street Lamp and the Kinder House at the Des Plaines History Center image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, March 21, 2025

3. Electric Street Lamp and the Kinder House at the Des Plaines History Center

Credits. This page was last revised on March 27, 2025. It was originally submitted on March 23, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois. This page has been viewed 140 times since then and 16 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on March 23, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.