12 Days of West Chicago Artifacts: Celebrating Service
12 Days of West Chicago Artifacts
As part of our 12 Days of WeGo History series, we’re celebrating the stories behind some of the most meaningful pieces in our collection. With nearly 40,000 artifacts to choose from, we couldn’t possibly pick just 12, so each day we are sharing a themed group that helps tell the story of West Chicago.
This year’s series is also in conjunction with our preparation for the 250th anniversary of the United States by highlighting local history in a national context.
To close out our 12 Days of West Chicago Artifacts, we honor those who have served.
For 176 years, West Chicagoans have stepped forward in moments of need, serving in the military, supporting national efforts during wartime, and contributing to their country in countless ways. Their stories are part of our town’s fabric and part of America’s broader history as we mark 250 years of service, sacrifice, and citizenship.
The items in today’s collection pay tribute to those who wore the uniform and to the community that has supported them. We invite you to explore more stories in our Veterans of West Chicago online exhibit, launching next week.
Civil War Soldier, Photograph, 3x5 of John Gladding (1829-1862).
Stereoscope cards (Stereographs), Black and white, produced by J. F. Jarvis, and sold by Underwood & Underwood, c. 1898.
"5th Illinois Volunteers, Newport News, Va."
Photo of Chauncey Reed, CA. 1918
Photograph, black and white, showing the American Legion Drum and Bugle Corp standing on the steps of the West Chicago Community High School. Shows 4 rows of men, all in uniform, and the first row all have drums. back reads " Property of Wm. Schuett "Bill" Bass Drummer.". Bill is standing on either the right of left side of the first row.
Envelope for letter sent from Mary Dieter to her son Russ Dieter during World War II
Charles Schramer Hat, served as a 2nd Lieutenant C-47 Pilot in the US Army Air Corps during WWII
Photo, black and white of Wilfred Carr.
Homecoming Parade September 1946, Main Street
Want to explore more West Chicago artifacts on your own? Check out our online artifact database where we upload recently digitized items every month!
