The following text may have been generated by Optical Character Recognition, with varying degrees of accuracy. Reader beware!

;*i;>!$f: Nearly Everybody In Wilmette Reads The Lake Snore New* VOL. VIII, NO. 5. >"" ;%W:: WILMETTE, ILLINOIS, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 10, 1920 FOURTEEN PAGES PRICE FIVE CENTS T â- Â£' LAY CHURCH CORNER / JlERICAN THOUGHT STONE SUNDAY N0Or SUNDAY CLUB SUBJECT Wilmette Baptist Church, with C Churches in Village to He ; Cerepionre at New Church Site MARKS CHURCH GROWTH Phenomenal Development of Wil- mette Baptist Church Due to Unexcelled Leadership Qr. George Craig Stewart, Rector of St. Luke's Episcopal Church, Evanston, Speaker, Sun- „ day, Dec. 12. Sunday, December 12, is to be a memorable day in the history of the Wilniette Baptist church, the occa- sion of the laying of the corner stone in the new church edifice under con- struction on the church plot at Wil- mette and Forest avenues. Services in connection with the corner stone placement begins at the regular morning worship hour at the present church headquarters in the auditorium of the Brown building, Wilmette and Central avenues. At the services there at 11 o'clock the history of the church will be read by Miss Annie S. Beach and the prin- ciple address of the day will be given by the Rev. Benjamin Otto, superin- tendent of the Baptist Executive Council of Chicago. Service at Sit* Following the services in the Brown building the congregation will proceed in a body to the site of the new church edifice, where at 12j20 o'clock, the members will join with members of other Wilmette churches in special services attendant upon the formal laying of the corner stone. Here at the site of Wilmette's new- est church building will be held brief ceremonies including the singing of a hymn, reading of the scripture, prayer offered by the Rev. Francis Carr Stifler, pastor of the church, and the swinging into place of the corner stone, cemented by Mr. Peter R. Finlay, one of the founders of the * church and at present chairman of the Board of Deacons and treasurer r of tfee Building Fund. Contents of the copper box hidden I in the corner stone will include: A copy of the present membership roll of the church. A list of the contributors to the Building and Lot Funds. A copy of the present church di- rectory. A copy of the church calendar for December 12. A copy of "The Baptist, weekly denominational paper. A copy of The Lake Shore News of Friday, December 10, 1920. A photograph of the scene of the Ground Breaking ceremonies on May 9, 1920. A group photograph of the six founders of the church. A 6.500 word history of the church. Phenomena! Growth ' '" "' The corner stone laying cere- monies indicate another step in the very rapid but substantial growth of the youngest member of Wilmette's large church family. Formally or- ganized eight years ago by a small group of persevering residents the Wilmette Baptist church has taken its place among the leading institu- , tions of the village and, despite se- rious handicaps, has assumed the proportions of a well established and •smoothly working religious and so- cial welfare body. The development of the Wilmette Baptist church em- i phasizes anew the perseverance, re- ; sourcefulness and courage of the -pioneer. Not unlike the Pilgrims, the ter-centenary of whose landing I upon American soil we are com- memorating at this season, a mere handful of Wilmette men braved ad- versity, surmounted difficulties and, employing typical American methods of advancement, accomplished in a , brief space of years what one would I expect would require a score of years to achieve. Emblazoned in the record of tb' I remarkable development of this in- stitution are the names of P. R. Fin- lay, J. D. Greig. Edwin Phelps. O. W. Schmidt, C. L. Major, F. L. An- derson, David Nelson and A. E. "White. Each represents a distinct force for good in community life, the -;. combination a powerful necleus of f an organization established as one of the potent factors in church and community advancement. Meeting with leaders in Baptist church work in Chicago and vicinity and Baptist Executive Council, these men formulated plans and actually assumed the responsibility in organ- izing the Wilmette Baptist church. At first, content to launch the move- ; ment by meeting in various homes in the village, the group, with others from time to time added to the small (Continued oa P»ge «l»ht> _ Dr. George Craig Stewart, of Evan- ston, will be the speaker before the Wilmette Sunday Evening club on Sunday, December 12. His subject will be "The New American Thought." Dr. Stewart is rector of St. Luke's Episcopal church, Evanston, and is one of the best known preachers in this vicinity. He is also a worker in large civic affairs. He was in service, in France during the great war, and when he returned to America re-entered public life_ in a great many important activities. Among other things he was one of the important leaders in the last Lib- erty Loan campaign, many of the speeches and advertisement _ slogans necessary to rouse the public, com- ing from his inspirational addresses. Last season he appeared before the Sunday Evening club, speaking on spiritualism. He is an eloquent speaker and a profound thinker. The subject he has chosen is timely. Aside from the organ recital by Miss Marie Edwards Von Ritter, there will be special music by Miss Mary Welch, contralto. BOARD ORDERS PURCHASE OF SKOKIE AS PRESERVE By unanimous vote the real estate committee of the forest preserve board Wednesday authorized the pur- chase or condemnation of the 2,000 acres of the Skokie valley region for use as a forest-preserve. It was the end of a two-years fight and a victory for the so-called idealists on the board. The private interests which are seeking to turn the valley to com- mercial usees are not yet downed, however, and filed with County Judge Righeimer a petition asking that a drainage district be created in the valley. This would make Skokie one of the most fertile garden spots in the country and forever preclude its use as a park. Negotiations will be started im- mediately for the purchase of the land and upon the failure or refusal of the owners to accept the offers of the district, the chief attorney for the district will be authorized to in- stitute condemnation proceedings. PLAN COMMISSION APPEALS FOR FUNDS Show Progress in Several Projects Looking Toward Ultimate Village Beautiful BUSY MAN Village President Edward Zipf^ is a busy man these days. In addition to attending to his private business in Chicago, he is devoting every afternoon to direction of the work at the village offices, virtually assuming the duties of village manager Schultz who is confined to his home slowly recovering from a severe attack of typhoid fever. President Zipf is at the village offices from 2 until 5 o'clock every day. It is expected village manager Schultz will be back at his post within six weeks. THAT WATER BILL Have you paid that water bill? Here's a fair warning to delinquents in that regard. On Wednesday, Dec- ember IS, water will be shut off at all residences and places of business where those responsible for payment of the bills have failed to remit. Village President Zipf announces $2,- 700 outstanding represented unpaid water bills. Consecrate Tablet To Gold Star Men An appeal to the householders of Wilmette for financial support of the work of the Wilmette Plan Commis- sion wasi issued in letters recently sent out by the Finance committee of the Plan commission. The letters outline plans for changes and improvements in the village for the purpose of remedying as much as possible pres- ent defects and planning for the future with the idea of beautifying the village, making is a safe, health- ful and attractive place to live in. Projects in Progress In renewing its appeal for funds the letter written over the names of Frank A. Brown and Frank J. Seng, Finance committee of the Plan Commission, outlines some of the projects already in progress. The letter reads in part: "Since then regular meetings have been held and considerable work has been done, ^particularly by the Engineering committee. "Progress has been made in various projects, one of importance having been consummatedâ€"the securing of the use for recreational and play- ground purposes, of all the land along the channel belonging to the Sani- tary District, beginning at Sheridan road between Central avenue and the south limits of Wilmette. This land comprises some twenty acres and a portion of it is 300 feet wide. Its control in the future by the Wlimette Park District makes it a valuable acquisition. Service of Value "The committee on Trees and Shrubs has performed a service^ of real value to the community in point- ing out the necessity of additional planting and the possibility of giv- ing Wilmette distinctive beauty with its elms, hawthorns, and wild crabs. "In the report of the Engineering committee just issued you can get some idea of other projects under consideration: "Proposed street from Chestnut to Oxford road. Kenilworth, much need- ed particularly by high school students. "The listing of certain streets to he known as primary thoroughfares. Better Street Lighting "Street lightning in connection with the Tree and Shrub plans. "The location of public and semi- public buildings. "The straightening of Sheridan road south of the bridge and im- provement of the property west of it along the lake as a park. "A playground near the west lim- its of the village. "A suggested addition both north and west of the limits of Wilmette. "Dividing the village into zones, separating the business district from the residence portion, controlling of building lines, etc. "The investigation of track eleva- tion involving a new depot, freight yard location, etc. Plan Community Center "The possibility of a Community House along comprehensive lines. "This work has required a great deal of money to be used by the engineers in particular. "A great many of our residents re- sponded to the first letter and sent in their subscription for $25 or $50, as the case might be. paying 25 per cent down and the balance to be paid as required. There are no funds in the village available for this purpose. It must be done by popular subscrip- tion. VILLAGE BOARD ACTS ON STREET UGHT1NG Public Service Committee Authorised to Receive Bids to Determine Probable Cost of Big Undertaking On Sunday morning there will be consecrated in St. Augustine's a bronze Memorial tablet, which has been placed on the inner wall of the church, near the Lecturn. This tab- let is to perpetuate the memory of three of the parishioners who gave their lives during the world war. Lieut. Eugene Blanchard Jones, 103d Aero Squadron, of the American Expeditionary forces, who gave his life in aerial conflict near St. Benoit, France. Lieut. Douglas Thomas Hoffman, U. S. field artillery. Corp. Vincent Wilson Marshall, Students' Army Training Corps, Uni- versity of Michigan. There will be a detachment of uhe American Legion present in uniform, to honor the memory of their com- rades. The service will be at 11 o'clock, and all Wilmette people are invited. There will be a short me- morial address. Wilmette's Village Board of Trus- tees Wednesday evening authorized its Public Service committee to is- sue a call for bids to determine the estimated cost of installing an elec- tric street lighting system in the vil- lage. The committee was asked to report their findings at the next meeting of the board. The action of the board on the street lighting question was not prompted by recent complaints con- cerning the admittedly inadequate street lighting in the village, but comes as a result of numerous dis- cussions of the question in board chambers covering a piriod cf sev- eral years. Installing any type of lighting system entails a cost which will stagger the minds of even those who are most insistent concerning an improvement in that regard. Facts and Figures Facts and figures have beeu lack- ing in the laymen discussions of this very important question, according to village officials who have spent much time in consideration of the matter, and consultation with ex- perts on the most feasible and eco nomic procedure in securing a better lighting system for Wilmette. The Board in conjunction with the Wilmette Plan Commission has con- sidered the matter seriously. It is not a question to be decided over- night, nor without careful investiga- tion, particularly as to the cost to the individual property owner who must, .of course, bear the ultimate burden of expense in any village im- provement. A few pertinent facts and figures, as submitted to The Lake Shore News by Village President Zipf may aid in placing the better-lighting- discussion on a more sane and busi- ness-like basis. '"*' Cost Demands Thought Previous calls for bids demon- strate beyond reasonable doubt that the cost of installing a new and ade- quate lighting system would range from $350,000 to $500,000; according to President Zipf., Such an undertak- ing would necessitate the spreading of a special assessment, he continues, entailing a cost of from $1.50 to $2 per front foot on every piece of property in the village. There are approximately 35 miles of streets in Wilmette. Lighting on both sides of the streets means laying of approxi- mately 70 miles of conduit and wires. This, in addition to the cost of in- stalling lamp posts and the cost of labor and materials. Constructive discussion of this very urgent need in the village is not only desirable but actually welcomed by the village officials. Suggestions are welcomed. It is a big problem and one demanding careful and cool- headed consideration by every'citi- zen of Wilmette. EXPLAINS NEEDS OF THE PUBLIC SCHOOLS Superintendent of Schools J. R. Harper Pens National School Week Message to Residents of Wilmette TEACHERS ARE DEFICIENT Shows Deplorable Condition in Illi- nois; Says Schools Needs U. S. Cabinet Member .BEWARE OF CONTAGION With cases of smallpox reported in Wilmejte residents of the village are urged by Health Commissioner E. E. Moore " to take precautions to present the spread of the disease in this village, by having all children vaccinated who cannot furnish, a phy- sician's certificate of successful vaccination within five years, or show a vaccination scar satisfactory to the family physidan:*^"^^^^-'**# N. T. C A. MEETING Directors and members of the New Trier Commercial association will hold an important business meeting at the Wilmette Village hall, Wed- nesday evening, December 15, at 8 o'clock. Every member of the asso- ciation is urged to attend this meet- ing as matters of importance are to be discussed and acted upon. Pres- ident Henry B. Gates will preside at the session. COMPLETE ZONING MAPS Announcement was made by Vil- lage officials this week that Zoning maps of the village are now ready, snowing locations of business and residential sections. It is expected a public hearing on the Zoning ques- tion will be held on or about Jan- uary 15. Ordinances bearing refer- ence to Village Zoning are in course of preparation. Tells Wilmette Women Of Social Service Work Dr. Herbert L. Willett, of the Uni- versity of Chicago, spoke Wednesday afternoon to a large gathering of women at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas E. D. Bradley, 1104 Forest avenue, his subject being, "The Wards of a Great City." It was a presentation of the Chi- cago Church Federation in the Ju- venile court, the jails, hospitals and other public institutions of Cook County. The .Chicago Federation, of which Dr. Willett is president, rep- resents officially, thirteen Protestant denominations with a constituency of nearly 1,000 individual churches. Mr. Walter R. Mee, secretary of the Federation, also spoke briefly, as did Mr. Bradley, who was Dr. Wil- lett's predecessor as president. Mr. Stifler of the Baptist church presided and the women present made a vol- untary offering for the benefit of the work. By J. R. Harper (Supt. of Wilmette Schools) This week, December 5 to 11, has been designated by Mr. P. P. Claxton, U. S. Commissioner of Education, as School Week. He has asked school authorities everywhere during this week to disseminate in every way possible among the people, facts conecrning the Public schools of our state and nation. The purpose of this article is not to discuss our own local schools and their needs but rather the condition of the schools of the state as a whole. We are inclined at times to boast of our Public schools and of what they are doing in the way of â-  educating our American youth, but it is not often, as a people, that we sit down and seriously consider the needs of our schools and deliberately plan for their betterment. All this we are asked to do this week. ' Poorly Prepared Teachers In the first place what is the pre-' paration and training of the teachers of this great state of ours? Mr. Francis G. Blair, Superintendent of Public Instruction, in some recent statistics has answered this question. He says that there are 1520 teachers employed in this state who have had no school training above the eighth grade or 4.4% of the whole number of teachers in the state. 1641 or 4.7% attended but did not graduate from a high school. 9724 or 27.8% have graduated from a high school but have had no technical trahJng. 9377 or 26.8% attended a Normal school or college but have not finish- ed the course. This leaves 12,761 or 26.5% who have finished either a Normal or College course. Not a very encouraging condition when a large percentage of the children of this state are taught by poorly pre- pared teachers. Neither is the out- look for the immediate future any better. There has been a falling off in the attendance of the' Normal schools all over the country in the last few years and the supply of trained teachers will be less than normal for some years to come. Boards of education in general do not dare raise the standards because the supply of teachers is not avail- able to meet them. The motto for Illinois should be, "An adequately trained teacher in every school room." Nsed More Money \ ' Now of course the supply of teach- ers in the long run will hinge on the salary question. The pay of teachers the last few years has not been great enough to attract young people into the profession. At the same time there has been a material advance in the pay of teachers. Statistics for this year are not available but the State Superintendent has estimated that the average salary of the teachers of the state has increased 77% over that of 1914. But the cost of living Jias increased over a hundred per cent. The downward trend of living costs will help put the teachers on a better financial basis. But it is still a hand to mouth proposition as far as liv- ing goes. We -still need more money for our schools. Even in our better schools there are too many pupils per teacher. The average in Wilmette is forty while thirty to thirty-five are as many as any teacher should handle. But that means more build- ings as well as more teachers. In considering the state as a whole is one thing that we must not lose sight of and that is the unequal distribution of school funds among the school districts. This is due to our system of financing schools. The sources of school revenue are twoâ€" from the state at large and from the school district. There is a State Distributable fund which is distribut- ed in proportion to the number of children of school age. The total amount distributed this year was $5,- 000,000. The rest of the school money for any district is obtained by a tax upon the assessed valuation of the district. By taking advantage of re- cent laws the percentage levied for' school purposes may be as high as 2 2-3% of the assessed valuation but not greater. The amount received from the state is a small part of the. $&&â-