A History of Maywood
by Douglas Deuchler
review by Ed Vincent
Douglas Deuchler our own local treasure has another
book on the market. His second book with the
Arcadia label is on the town of Maywood. A town
which has changed a great deal in the past 100 years
or so of its history. Mr. Deuchler has done a wonderful
job of using some great history, treasured photos, and
good writing to put some soul into the past of this
interesting town. Douglas Deuchler had worked in
the town of Maywood for decades, at the High school
on First avenue and Madison.
I thought that I had a good feel for Maywood, but
after reading the book, a whole new vision is now
in my memory. Maywood was a fancy European
based community in its start and has now turned
into a mostly Black African-American town. A
town where many whites in the suburbs would
drive through fifty years ago and see how well the
local residents of color were doing in their own
community.
I am looking forward with anticipation to getting his
next book on Berwyn, also printed by Aradia press
and written by a good writer and avid historian.
Maywood, $19.99, Arcadia Publishing
Available at area bookstores, independent retailers, on-line bookstores, or through Arcadia Publishing at www.arcadiapublishing.com or (888) 313-2665.
Book Description:
Ten miles west of Chicago on the west bank of the Des Plaines River sits Maywood, a village that was founded in 1869 by seven New England businessmen who established the Maywood Land Company. This prairie community, carefully laid out along the railroad, experienced a population boom after the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. Soon industry arrived, followed by a variety of ethnic groups. Maywood was one of the few early suburban communities with an African-American neighborhood.
The character of this singular suburb is preserved and celebrated here. Explore the fascinating history of Maywood, Illinois, with
author Douglas Deuchler, a journalist, playwright, and historian who taught in the community for 34 years. Maywood transports readers back in time to meet the people and visit the places that provide the community with its unique heritage. Mr. Deuchler's has published
two other Arcadia books, Oak Park in Vintage Postcards, published
in 2003, and Berwyn, published in 2005.
The Images of America series celebrates the history of
neighborhoods, towns, and cities across the country. Using archival photographs, each title presents the distinctive stories from the past that shape the character of the community today. Arcadia is proud
to play a part in the preservation of local heritage, making history available to all.
Author Bio:
The character of this singular suburb is preserved and celebrated
here. Explore the fascinating history of Maywood, Illinois, with
author Douglas Deuchler, a journalist, playwright, and historian who taught in the community for 34 years. Maywood transports readers back in time to meet the people and visit the places that provide the town with its unique heritage.
If you would like additional information, please review the Franklin Park Hearld-Journal's article from August 4, 2004 titled "History Lesson, Retired teacher creates book on town's 150 years." It was
a great article that includes author quotes and an array of photos.
Douglas Deuchler postcard book of Oak Park History
www.arcadiapublishing.com
© Oak Park Journal
published by Suburban Journals of Chicago Inc.
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