Named after railroad executive Alpheus Beede Stickney this village has a unique story. Stickney played a central role in establishing the Clearing Industrial District. But there is more to tell you about Stickney.
Originally, much of Stickney was Mud Lake. This marshy area stretched from Chicago to Lyons. An historic portage trail crossed Mud Lake connecting the Chicago and Des Plaines Rivers. The construction of the Illinois and Michigan Canal in 1836 began to dry the lake. By 1900, the Sanitary and Ship Canal had mostly eliminated it. Developers quickly built on the reclaimed land. Early residents included German and Dutch farmers.
Stickney’s official history began in 1913. The village was formed from Stickney Township land. Early meetings were held in unusual places. The first meeting occurred at Hawthorne racetrack. Later meetings took place in the Mount Auburn Cemetery waiting room. Truck farming and quarry work defined the lives of many residents in 1919.
The 1920s brought growth to Stickney along with neighboring Cicero and Berwyn. This decade also brought Al Capone and other criminals to Stickney. They established brothels and speakeasies. The village government was somewhat involved. Stickney police even acted as an honor guard at a gangster’s funeral in 1924. Illegal gambling continued until the 1950s. By the late 1930s, Stickney’s population reached about 2000. It was known for its many taverns.
After World War II, Stickney’s population increased significantly. It reached 6239 by 1960. Vacant land was available. Bondholders took over land with unpaid taxes. Home construction peaked in the 1950s. Residential areas are mainly in the western part of town. Commonwealth Edison began building a coal-powered power plant in 1949. This plant sits on the border of Stickney and Forest View. Stickney and Forest View often work together. They formed the Stickney-Forest View Library District in 1953.
Stickney is known for its massive sewage treatment plant. It’s the largest in the world. The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago operates it. Opened in phases since 1930 the plant covers 40 percent of Stickney’s land. It is also the village’s largest employer.
Despite the sewage plant, Stickney has worked to improve the town. It offers safe, quiet streets and strong community bonds. In 2000, Stickney had 6148 residents. Many were of Polish, Mexican, German, or Czech descent. Mount Auburn Cemetery has a large number of Chinese burials.
Today, Stickney maintains its close-knit community. The village motto reflects this spirit. It is A Community That Cares. The Township of Stickney is considered the most outstanding in Illinois. It provides numerous services to its residents. These services include medical care at the Clinic on 40th Street. The Stickney-Forest View Library is another key resource. It is located on 43rd Street.
Stickney continues to evolve while retaining its unique identity. From its beginnings as Mud Lake to its current status, Stickney offers a blend of history, industry, and community spirit.