A bustling railroad stop, a hub of activity, a place of transformation – that’s the essence of Tinley Park. Tinley Park wasn’t always known by this name. Originally called Bremen, due to the large German-American population, the village’s fate became intertwined with the railroad. In 1890, the village decided to honor its first railroad station agent, Samuel Tinley Sr., by renaming itself Tinley Park. This decision solidified the railroad’s central role in the village’s development, a role commemorated by the Centennial Monument, Engine 1892, located at Tinley Park’s first train station.
Tinley Park’s history is not just about transportation. It’s a story of innovation and entrepreneurship. In the early 20th century, Tinley Park was a hotbed of industry and invention. The Diamond Spiral Washing Machine Company established its first factory here in 1905. Local businessmen, showcasing their ingenuity, established an electric utility in 1909. A soda bottling plant quenched the thirst of residents from the 1890s to the 1950s. John Rauhoff, a local inventor, developed Ironite, a waterproofing additive for cement that was later used in the construction of the Hoover Dam.
Tinley Park’s entrepreneurial spirit also extended to the world of racing. The village proudly claims five Indianapolis 500 race car drivers as residents, including Melvin “Tony” Bettenhausen, his sons Gary, Merle, and Tony Jr., and their cousin, Emil Andres. This connection to racing adds a unique dimension to Tinley Park’s identity.
Tinley Park also values its past. The “Old Zion” Landmark Church, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, houses the Tinley Park Historical Society and museum. The village’s German heritage is celebrated through a Sister City relationship with Budingen, Germany, and more recently, another partnership has been forged with Mallow, Ireland. Tinley Park, nestled in the southwest of Chicago, has also earned accolades. In 2009, BusinessWeek recognized Tinley Park as “the best place to raise a family in America”. Today, it’s one of the fastest-growing suburbs in the country, a testament to its enduring appeal and vibrant community spirit.