Morton Grove in Cook County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Indian Trading Post

Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., April 10, 2016

1. Indian Trading Post Marker

Inscription.
George Gabel opened an Indian trading post on this site in 1847. In 1856 he sold the property to John Dilg who had arrived in the Chicago area in 1850 and settled on Waukegan Road in 1854. Dilg and his wife, Maria Magdalena Gabel Dilg operated the business as a general store and meeting place for the community. They also offered lodging for travelers between Chicago and Milwaukee.

The Dilg family was associated with the general store for about 100 years, and referred to the building as "The Homestead".

After a century and a half the building continues in its role as a restaurant and community meeting place, also offering lodging to travelers.

Some of the old construction is still recognizable on the south side and front of the building facing Waukegan Road.

Continuing in the family tradition, in 1904 John & Maria Magdalena Dilg's son, Fred, with his wife, Seana Torieck Dilg, opened another general store, the Morton Grove Exchange, at Ferris and Lincoln.

This plaque was placed in commemoration of the golden wedding anniversary of Cornelius and Minnie Rakittke Dilg October 5, 1990.

Erected 1990 by Morton Grove

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Historical Society.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Indigenous Peoples and Communities • Industry & Commerce • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1847.

Location. 42° 2.525′ N, 87° 46.892′ W. Marker is in Morton Grove, Illinois, in Cook County. It can be reached from Dempster Street. Marker is on the grounds of the Morton Grove Historical Museum. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 6240 West Dempster Street, Morton Grove IL 60053, 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: American Indian - Potawatomi Tribe Eagle Dancer (here, next to this marker); Bicentennial of the U.S. Constitution

Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., April 10, 2016

2. Indian Trading Post Marker

The 1888 Haupt-Yehl House in background

(a few steps from this marker); Harrer Park Flagpole (within shouting distance of this marker); The American Legion Memorial (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Harrer Park (about 400 feet away); The Morton Grove Volunteer Fire Company (approx. 0.4 miles away); Village Gathering Place (approx. half a mile away); Morton Grove World War I Memorial (approx. half a mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Morton Grove.

Also see . . .
1. Morton Grove, Illinois. Wikipedia entry (Submitted on March 19, 2024, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)

2. Morton Grove Historical Society & Museum on Facebook. (Submitted on May 8, 2016, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio.)

Credits. This page was last revised on March 19, 2024. It was originally submitted on May 8, 2016, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio. This page has been viewed 972 times since then and 23 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 8, 2016, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio.