Hazel Crest Water Tower

Gazing up at this towering structure, ever wonder about the Hazel Crest Water Tower’s story? This isn’t just a utilitarian landmark. It symbolizes the growth and resilience of Hazel Crest. The Hazel Crest Water Tower, while a modern necessity, whispers tales of a community’s journey. From its earliest days as a farming community in 1870, named South Harvey, to its incorporation in 1912 as Hazel Crest, the village has always held a strong sense of identity. The name itself, a tribute to the hazelnut bushes that once graced its landscape, reflects the village’s deep connection to its natural surroundings. William McClintock, a visionary newspaper editor, laid the foundation for Hazel Crest’s development. He arrived in 1890, purchasing land and building a depot that became the heart of the community. This depot served as a real estate office, a gathering place, a school, and even a post office. It was a testament to the resourcefulness and community spirit that defined early Hazel Crest. The Hazel Crest Water Tower stands as a symbol of the village’s progress, a silent witness to the growth and development that followed. It represents the continued commitment to providing essential services to the residents, a reflection of the same community spirit that built a church in 1894 and adapted an elementary school into the Martin J. Kauchak Municipal Center. The Hazel Crest Water Tower reminds us of the village’s journey, a journey marked by resilience, community spirit, and a deep-rooted connection to its history. It’s a testament to how a small farming village transformed into a thriving suburban community, holding on to its identity while embracing the future.