Ever since 1870, life has pulsed through Hazel Crest, Illinois. Originally a simple farming community known as South Harvey, Hazel Crest’s story truly begins with the arrival of William McClintock in 1890. This enterprising newspaper editor, hailing from Ohio, purchased a sizable 80 acres, laying the groundwork for the village’s future. Hazel Crest owes much of its early development to McClintock. He built a depot that attracted the local milk train, opening up vital transportation routes to Chicago and beyond. This small depot became the heart of the burgeoning community, serving as a real estate office, meeting place, schoolhouse, and even the post office. By 1900, a referendum solidified the village’s current name: Hazel Crest, a tribute to the abundant hazelnut bushes flourishing on a rise just south of the town. At this time, the village extended to 175th Street in the south and Kedzie Avenue in the west. Hazel Crest officially became a village in 1912, a testament to the growth and community spirit fostered by its early residents. Many of their descendants still call Hazel Crest home, continuing the legacy of community involvement and a dedication to the village’s continued success. The spirit of collaboration in Hazel Crest is evident throughout its history. From the construction of the Community Church in 1894 to the transformation of an elementary school into the Martin J. Kauchak Municipal Center in 1984, the residents have consistently worked together to shape their village. The Municipal Center itself is named in honor of President Kauchak, who dedicated twenty years of service to Hazel Crest. The Hazel Crest of today remains a vibrant community, a testament to its rich history and the enduring spirit of its residents.
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