Could a community keep its identity even after being absorbed by a larger neighbor? Argo in Summit, Illinois stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of place. You might not find “Argo” on a modern map, but the name echoes through the streets and lives on in the hearts of its residents. Officially annexed by the city of Summit in 1911, Argo was a company town, built around the massive Corn Products Refining Company plant. This wasn’t just any factory. It was the world’s largest corn-processing plant, a behemoth of industry that drew workers from across the nation and beyond. The plant, nicknamed the “university” by locals, became the lifeblood of the community, shaping its identity and destiny. Even today, with the plant now owned by Ingredion, Argo maintains its unique character within Summit. The streets whisper tales of a bygone era, of a time when the aroma of corn starch filled the air, and the factory’s whistle marked the rhythm of daily life. Argo might be a name lost to official maps, but it’s a place that thrives in memory, a testament to the enduring power of community and the legacy of industry.
Congregation Or Torah
Rabbi Zvi Engel’s leadership guides Congregation Or Torah. This impressive Modern Orthodox Synagogue stands proudly in Skokie Illinois. It’s one