Illinois WWI Places

WWI Field Artillery Piece on the grounds of Morton Grove's American Legion Civic Center

The Elks Veterans Memorial is a tribute to the bravery, loyalty and dedication of the thousands of Elks who have fought and died for our country. It has been described as one of the most magnificent war memorials in the world, but with its monumental architecture and priceless art, the Memorial is more a symbol of peace and of the patriotism of the members of the Elks fraternity.

The Lincoln Hall Memorial Court was a gift from the UI classes of 1918 and 1919 and was dedicated as a memorial to University of Illinois students who died in World War I. It was dedicated on homecoming weekend on Nov. 1, 1969. The classes raised $25,000 for the project. One of the honorary co-chairmen of the campaign was George Halas, founder of the Chicago Bears and the National Football League and member of the class of 1918.

Erected by the citizens of Oak Park and River Forest, Illinois in honor of the men of this community who took part in the World War, 1914-1918." It depicts a US pilot, a soldier & a sailor in front of a figure of Columbia sheathing her sword. Inscribed with the names of 2,446 veterans from Oak Park, 56 of whom were killed in WWI.

Actually, the "public subscription" efforts tallied $52,206.69, but the effort, spearheaded by a committee, started fundraising efforts as early as 1921, so the investment earnings on the fund topped out at $59,267.46, leaving the Park District of Oak Park with a trust fund of $6,693. 83 to be used for maintenance and cleaning.

 Renovation began in July 2009. Initially, it was expected to cost more than $240,000, but another $79,400 was added when inspectors in October 2009 found the foundation also was decaying. The final renovation cost was $326,400.