Mount Prospect in Cook County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Centennial Green
Village of Mount Prospect
| — | 1917-2017 | — |
Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, October 27, 2026
1. Centennial Green Marker
On February 3, 1917, after achieving the required number of 300 residents in the village, the Mount Prospect Improvement Association successfully held an election to incorporate the village. Held in William Wille's Hall, formerly located on West Busse Avenue, seventy-five men voted 63-12 to incorporate. After the election, papers were drawn up and signed in the Central School House, now located on Maple Street on the Mount Prospect Historical Society museum campus.
A caucus was held on Tuesday evening, March 20, 1917, to nominate candidates
this page online
One hundred years later, we are humbled by the foresight and determination of the village electorate and the vision and fiscal responsibility exercised by the first Village Board, which established a solid Foundation for Mount Prospect's growth, stability and prosperity over the first 100 years. Founded largely by industrious German farming families, Mount Prospect has grown to be a diverse community that takes pride in its award winning schools, diverse religious institutions, local commerce, recreational excellence and outstanding Village services.
The Vision of the Village of Mount Prospect is to represent the best of suburban communities —thriving, proud, diverse and connected — having a rich heritage, strong values and a timeless yet contemporary atmosphere.
Dedicated February 3, 2017
Mayor Arlene A. Juracek
[Text on the left side:]
William Busse - Village President
Trustees
Louis C. Busse
Henry Beigel
Henry Haberkamp
H.L.
Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, October 27, 2026
2. Centennial Green Marker in front of Mount Prospect Village Hall
John W. Pohlman
Ernest Gosch
Police Magistrate
John P. Moehling
Village Clerk
Henry J. Ehard
[Text on the right side:]
While we are indebted to many, the following four families and the gentlemen listed played a key role in the settling, growth and founding of the Mount Prospect community.
William Busse- Businessman, Cook County Commissioner and First Mayor
Meyn
John Meyn-Blacksmith and Wagon Maker
Moehling
John Moehling-General Store Owner and First Postmaster
Wille
William Wille-Creamery Owner and Builder
Erected 2017 by Village of Mount Prospect.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Immigration • Railroads & Streetcars • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical date for this entry is February 3, 1917.
Location. 42° 3.888′ N, 87° 56.132′ W. Marker is in Mount Prospect, Illinois, in Cook County. It is on South Emerson Street near Busse Avenue, on the right when traveling south. The marker is in front of the Mount Prospect Village Hall. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 31 South Emerson Street, Mount Prospect IL
Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, October 27, 2026
3. Five markers in front of Mount Prospect Village Hall
The markers were erected in 2017 in honor of Mount Prospect's 100th anniversary as a village.
Regionally, this marker is in Greater Chicago. It is also in the American Midwest. Globally, it is in North America, on the Great Lakes, in the Western Hemisphere, in the Western World, and in 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 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: John Meyn (here, next to this marker); William Wille (here, next to this marker); William Busse (a few steps from this marker); John Conrad Moehling (a few steps from this marker); Central School (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Bicentennial (about 500 feet away); Klehm's Island (approx. 0.4 miles away); Saint Pius X (approx. 2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Mount Prospect.
More about this marker. The marker is one of five erected in front of the Mount Prospect Village Hall in 2017 in honor of the 100th anniversary of Mount Prospect's incorporation as a village.
Chicago Daily News collection, Chicago History Museum (DN-0005157), circa 1907
4. William Busse
This photo of Busse was taken early in his career as a Cook County commissioner. He was later elected as Mount Prospect's first mayor.
Also see . . . Ezra Carpenter Eggleston bio. From the Mount Prospect Historical Society.
Excerpt: "By 1882 Ezra was bankrupt and much of his holdings were sold off for past due tax payments. He made little or no money from the endeavor but he did name Mount Prospect and platted out the main triangle in downtown (although many of the streets were renamed in the Busse/Wille Re-subdivision of 1905). Little is know of Ezra Eggleston personally. He had been a merchant in Chicago and had lost quite a bit of money is the fire when his grain silos burnt. He was clearly an educated man and it has been claimed that he had a medical degree and that he personally delivered all of his thirteen children. After he left Mount Prospect, it is believed that he became a minister but his later whereabouts are unknown."(Submitted on October 28, 2026, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.)
Credits. This page was last revised on October 28, 2026. It was originally submitted on October 27, 2026, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois. This page has been viewed 9 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on October 27, 2026, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.
