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

Elmer Zaleski

Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, March 21, 2025

1. Elmer Zaleski Marker

Inscription. In memory of
Elmer Zaleski
Pvt. 165th Depot Brigade
Nov. 16, 1918

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, World I. A significant historical date for this entry is November 16, 1918.

Location. 42° 2.332′ N, 87° 53.193′ W. Marker is in Des Plaines, Illinois, in Cook County. It is on East Prairie Avenue near Pearson Avenue. The marker is in a small World War I garden located on the grounds of the Des Plaines History Museum. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 781 Pearson Avenue, Des Plaines IL 60016, 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 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: Ernest Mensching (here, next to this marker); John Markgraff (here, next to this marker); Ernst Beth

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(here, next to this marker); George Cook (here, next to this marker); Frederick Ladendorf (here, next to this marker); Anthony Biba (here, next to this marker); World War I Memorial (here, next to this marker); Socrates Rand Grist Mill (a few steps from this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Des Plaines.

More about this marker. Pvt. Zaleski is one of seven Des Plaines men who died in World War I and were honored with small plaques that are preserved in a small garden on the grounds of the Des Plaines History Center. An article about the creation of this garden could not be found. The seven plaques are presumed to have previously been erected somewhere outdoors in Des Plaines (and each has been given its own listing), but it could not be determined where.

Regarding Elmer Zaleski. Charles Elmer Zaleski, who went by Elmer, was born in Chicago and living in Des Plaines when he enlisted in the Army in 1918. He died five days after the Armistice while stationed at Camp Grant in Rockford, Illinois. He is buried at Saint Adalbert Catholic Cemetery in Niles, Illinois.

World War I memorial garden image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, March 21, 2025

2. World War I memorial garden

Des Plaines History Center image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, March 21, 2025

3. Des Plaines History Center

The WWI garden is on the right side of this photo.

Credits. This page was last revised on March 24, 2025. It was originally submitted on March 24, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois. This page has been viewed 108 times since then and 17 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 24, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois. 3. submitted on March 23, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.