Picture a suburb where the aroma of Italian cuisine mingles with the sounds of factory work. That’s Melrose Park. This village is a place where industry and culture have long danced together. Melrose Park, a suburb 12 miles west of Chicago’s Loop, doesn’t fit the mold of typical suburban affluence.
Its story began in 1873. The Melrose Land Company divided a large tract of land. They enticed settlers with free lots. A dwelling worth $500 was the only requirement. Fifty people took the offer within a year. Yet, growth was slow initially, but Melrose gained momentum in the 1880s. The name was updated to Melrose Park in 1894. By the turn of the century, the population reached 2,592.
Melrose Park evolved into an industrial hub. After World War I, a boom occurred. Manufacturers like National Malleable and Steel Castings set up shop. American Brake Shoe and Foundry Company also came. Edward Hines Lumber Company expanded here. Melrose Park was once self-contained. Richardson’s, a roofing manufacturer, was a major employer. In the mid-1920s, most of its 500 workers lived in town. Sol Bloch Real Estate Improvement Company built over a hundred homes in 1925. Some sold for just $500 down. Brick bungalows cost $8,500.
The Proviso freight yards opened in 1926. They solidified Melrose Park’s industrial character. By 1940, the town had 38 jobs per 100 residents. Two-thirds were in manufacturing. During World War II, a Buick airplane motor plant was built. Zenith, Alberto-Culver, and Jewel Food Stores followed. Melrose Park was also home to Kiddieland. This amusement park was founded in 1929. It delighted generations until it closed in 2009.
Melrose Park has a rich ethnic mix. Italians, Germans, Irish, and Poles settled here. The Feast of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel has been celebrated since 1894. It showcases Italian American heritage. Hispanic immigrants arrived in the late 20th century. They were drawn by jobs and affordable housing.
In 1920, a tornado devastated Melrose Park. It destroyed the Sacred Heart Church. Cosmetic improvements were made in the late 1990s. These changes aimed to attract businesses and homeowners.
Today, Melrose Park continues to evolve. It honors its past. It embraces the future. The village’s motto is Corporate King of the Suburbs. Melrose Park remains a great place to call home.