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

Ernst Beth

Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, March 21, 2025

1. Ernst Beth Marker

Inscription. In memory of
Ernst Beth
Pvt. Co. I, 130th Inf.
Aug. 18, 1918

Topics. This memorial is listed in this topic list: War, World I.

Location. 42° 2.332′ N, 87° 53.193′ W. Memorial is in Des Plaines, Illinois, in Cook County. It is on East Prairie Avenue. The marker is in a small World War I garden located on the grounds of the Des Plaines History Museum. Touch for map. Memorial is at or near this postal address: 1500 E Prairie Ave, Des Plaines IL 60016, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this memorial 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: Anthony Biba (here, next to this marker); George Cook (here, next to this marker); Ernest Mensching (here, next to this

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marker); John Markgraff (here, next to this marker); Frederick Ladendorf (here, next to this marker); Elmer Zaleski (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 memorial. Pvt. Beth 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 Ernst Beth. While called Ernst Beth on this plaque, he appears to have also gone by the name Ernest; that is the name on his tombstone at Town of Maine Cemetery, and on the Des Plaines war memorial in Lake Park. His draft registration card lists him as Ernst but his signature says Ernest. In any case, according to that registration card, submitted in June 1917,

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

Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, March 21, 2025

2. World War I memorial garden

Beth was an unemployed florist living on Graceland Avenue in Des Plaines, just a few blocks west of the site of this memorial garden. Information about how he died could not be found. He is buried at Town of Maine Cemetery next to his parents, Charles and Caroline, and his brother Charles, who also served in World War I and died in the 1930s.

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 October 6, 2025. It was originally submitted on March 24, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois. This page has been viewed 102 times since then and 9 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.