Winfield, Illinois

Winfield, Illinois
Village
Winfield Town Center
Etymology: Gen. Winfield Scott
Motto(s):  "Growing Smart; In Harmony With Nature"
Location of Winfield in DuPage County, Illinois
Location of Illinois in the United States
Coordinates: 41°52′39″N88°9′2″W / 41.87750°N 88.15056°W / 41.87750; -88.15056
Country	United States
State	Illinois
County	DuPage
Townships	Milton, Winfield
Incorporated	April 18, 1921
Government [1]
• Type	Mayor-trustee
•  Mayor	Carl Sorgatz
Area [2]
• Total	3.14 sq mi (8.13 km2)
• Land	3.10 sq mi (8.02 km2)
• Water	0.04 sq mi (0.10 km2)
Elevation [3]	768 ft (234 m)
Population  (2020) [4]
• Total	9,835
• Estimate  (2022) [5]	10,046
• Density	3,250/sq mi (1,253/km2)
Time zone	UTC−6 (Central (CST))
• Summer (DST)	UTC−5 (CDT)
ZIP Code	60190
Area code(s)	630 and 331
FIPS code	17-82400
GNIS feature ID	2399715 [3]
Website	villageofwinfield.com
[6]

Winfield is an incorporated village located in Milton and Winfield Townships, DuPage County, Illinois, United States. The DuPage River headwaters are located directly to the north, and the river runs through the village. The population was 9,835 at the 2020 census, ^[4] and was estimated to be 10,046 in 2022. ^[5]

Winfield is the location of Central DuPage Hospital, one of the largest hospitals in the Chicago suburbs. Winfield station on the Union Pacific West Line provides commuter rail service to Chicago. Winfield is considered among the safest towns in Illinois. ^[7]

History

Winfield originally tried to become an incorporated village in 1884 under the town name 'Frederick Park'. However, the motion was denied as the town did not have 300 residents as was required for incorporation. ^[8] When the village was finally incorporated in 1921, the town had a population of 310 people. ^[9]

The earliest settlers, Erastus and Jude P. Gary, came to Winfield in 1832. ^[10] Winfield was originally known as Gary's Mill after these early settlers, and later, Fredericksburg, owing to a significant German-speaking population. Before 1850, most Winfield residents were migrants from New England; however, by 1860, half of the residents were from Germany and Alsace-Lorraine. ^[11] Winfield retained a community of German-speaking farmers until the 1920s. ^[11] In the late 1800s, the settlement's name was changed again to Winfield after the war hero Winfield Scott. ^{[12] [13]}

Winfield was home to one of the oldest taverns in the Chicago suburbs, John's Restaurant and Tavern (formerly John's Buffet), founded in 1921 by immigrant John T Karwoski. It closed its doors in December 2017. ^[14] John Karwoski was instrumental in the political and economic development of Winfield, and it was his guidance and leadership that took a fledgling prairie town clinging to existence after the railroad boom went bust, and turned it into a viable and livable village. ^[15] Mr Karwoski became the first Chief of the all-volunteer Winfield Volunteer Fire Company in 1935. 45 years later, his son John Karwoski II was made Chief of the expanded Winfield Fire Protection District in 1980. ^[16]

Winfield was served by The Winfield Glimpses newspaper from October 1947 to October 1976. ^[17] The Glimpses changed its name to the Winfield Examiner in November 1976 and ran until February 1992. A full collection of these newspapers is available on microfilm at the Winfield Public Library.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the village has a total area of 3.14 square miles (8.1 km²), of which 3.10 square miles (8.0 km²) is land and 0.04 square miles (0.10 km²), is water. ^[2]

In addition to the West Branch of the DuPage River, Klein Creek and Winfield Creek also flow through the village. ^[18]

Demographics

Historical population

Census	Pop.	Note	%±
1880	164		—
1930	445		—
1940	567		27.4%
1950	714		25.9%
1960	1,575		120.6%
1970	4,285		172.1%
1980	4,422		3.2%
1990	7,096		60.5%
2000	8,718		22.9%
2010	9,080		4.2%
2020	9,835		8.3%
2022 (est.)	10,046	[5]	2.1%
U.S. Decennial Census [19] 2020 Census [4]

2020 census

As of the 2020 census, there were 9,835 people, 3,834 households, and 2,937 families residing in the village. The population density was 3,147.20 inhabitants per square mile (1,215.14/km²). There were 3,981 housing units at an average density of 1,273.92 per square mile (491.86/km²). The racial makeup of the village was 82.96% White, 1.50% African American, 0.12% Native American, 5.26% Asian, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 2.22% from other races, and 7.93% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 7.87% of the population.

There were 3,834 households, out of which 28.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 65.55% were married couples living together, 6.00% had a female householder with no husband present, and 23.40% were non-families. 22.01% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.14% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.94 and the average family size was 2.53.

The village's age distribution consisted of 20.5% under the age of 18, 6.2% from 18 to 24, 18.9% from 25 to 44, 35.6% from 45 to 64, and 18.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 48.8 years. For every 100 females, there were 101.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 98.3 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $125,481, and the median income for a family was $146,122. Males had a median income of $78,434 versus $60,421 for females. The per capita income for the village was $55,616. About 0.7% of families and 1.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 1.8% of those under age 18 and 0.5% of those age 65 or over.

Arts and culture

Historical places

Hedges Station "Besch House" is the oldest remaining train depot in Illinois

Hedges station is the oldest train depot in Illinois. Built in 1849, it is now a museum. ^[20]

The Chicago-Winfield Tuberculosis Sanitarium was founded in 1909. As tuberculosis declined, the Sanitarium saw a decrease in patients and in 1962, the sanitarium was purchased by the Central DuPage Hospital Association. ^[21]

St. John the Baptist Catholic Church was erected in 1867. ^[22] It burned down in 1906, and was rebuilt. ^[23]

Parks and recreation

Public parks

There are a total of 19 parks and facilities within the Village of Winfield, offering a variety of recreation uses. ^[24]

Winfield Riverwalk Park opened in October 2021. Amenities include trails, fitness stations, wetlands, garden, a canoe/kayak launch, picnic shelter, and fishing. ^[25]

Winfield Mounds Forest Preserve contain Native American burial mounds, ^[26] and borders Red Hawk Park ^[27] Timber Ridge Forest Preserve, ^[28] West DuPage Woods Forest Preserve, ^[29] and Belleau Woods Forest Preserve. ^[30]

West Branch DuPage River Trail passes through Winfield. ^{[31] [32] [33]}

Klein Creek Golf Club offers an 18-hole golf course. ^[34]

Education

The Village of Winfield is served by three school districts: West Chicago Elementary School District 33 (K–8, serving the north side of Winfield); Winfield Elementary School District 34 (K–8, serving the south side of Winfield); and Community Unit School District 200 (K–12, Wheaton-Warrenville, serving the east side of Winfield). Since Winfield has no public high school, students from Districts 33 and 34 attend West Chicago Community High School, and students from CUSD 200 attend Wheaton North High School. It has three public elementary/middle schools, Winfield Primary School (PK–2), ^[35] Winfield Central School (3–8), ^[35] and Pleasant Hill Elementary School (K–5), ^[36] and two private elementary/middle schools, St. John the Baptist Catholic School (PK–8) ^[37] and Wheaton Christian Grammar School (K–8). ^[38]

Transportation

The Winfield station provides Metra commuter rail service along the Union Pacific West Line. Trains travel east Ogilvie Transportation Center in Chicago and west to Elburn station.

Pace provides bus service in the Wheaton Winfield On Demand service zone. ^[39]

Notable people

• Christopher Bear (b. 1982), drummer and backing vocalist for Brooklyn-based indie rock group Grizzly Bear (Band) who has also collaborated with The Dirty Projectors, Fleet Foxes, and Beach House
• Wes Benjamin (b. 1993), pitcher with the Texas Rangers.
• Alex Benoit (b. 1995), competitive ice dancer, fourth place at 2017 U.S. Figure Skating Championships
• Michael Bowden (b. 1986), former pitcher with Chicago Cubs ^[40]
• Chris Brown (b. 1981), running back with Houston Texans
• Carolena Carstens (b. 1996), taekwondo olympian
• Dorothy Chang (b. 1970), composer born in Winfield
• Rob DeVita (b. 1965), football player for Seattle Seahawks
• Scott Michael Foster (b. 1985), actor
• John Warne Gates (1855–1911), pioneer promoter of barbed wire and founder of The Texas Company, a precursor to Texaco
• Sam Himmelfarb (1904–1976), American artist and commercial exhibit designer, known for his modernist-influenced paintings of everyday people and urban scenes
• Eleanor Himmelfarb (1910–2009), American artist, teacher and conservationist known for semi-abstract paintings referencing the landscape and human figure
• Michael Hodges (b. 1976), American fiction writer
• Frank Kaminsky (b. 1993), basketball player for the Atlanta Hawks
• Debbie Keller (b. 1975), retired soccer forward and former member of United States women's national soccer team
• Anthony Louis (b.1995), left wing/center for Chicago Blackhawks ^{[41] [42]}
• Philip Lutzenkirchen (b. 1991), American football tight end, who played at Auburn University, finishing his career as the school's all-time leading receiver in touchdowns among tight ends.
• Andrew Marshall (b. 1984), defender with Crystal Palace Baltimore and Harrisburg City Islanders
• Walt Moryn (1926–1996), outfielder with Chicago Cubs and St. Louis Cardinals, lived and died in Winfield
• Jarett Park (b. 1981) professional lacrosse player
• Luke Putkonen (b. 1986), former pitcher for Detroit Tigers ^[43]
• Rob Scahill (b. 1987), pitcher with the Chicago White Sox ^[44]
• Shealeigh (b. 1998), singer
• Kevin Streelman (b. 1978), golfer on PGA Tour
• Bradie Tennell (b.1998), figure skater, 2018 U.S. national champion; 2015 junior national champion
• Nikos Tselios (b. 1979), defenseman with NHL's Carolina Hurricanes, Chicago Hounds, KalPa (Finland) and Färjestad BK (Sweden); cousin of Chris Chelios
• William M. Whitney (1828–c. 1908), American politician
• Jonathan C. Wright (b. 1966), State's attorney for Logan County, Illinois

Notes

1. "Elected Officials". Village of Winfield. Retrieved December 10, 2021.
2. "2023 U.S. Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved March 3, 2024.
3. U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Winfield, Illinois
4. "Explore Census Data". United States Census Bureau . Retrieved March 3, 2024.
5. "City and Town Population Totals: 2020–2022". United States Census Bureau. March 3, 2024. Retrieved March 3, 2024.
6. Illinois Regional Archives Depository System. "Name Index to Illinois Local Governments". Illinois State Archives. Illinois Secretary of State . Retrieved November 14, 2011.
7. "Winfield". Choose DuPage. Retrieved April 26, 2021.
8. Spanke 1978, pp. 40–41.
9. Spanke 1978, pp. 65–66.
10. Du Page County (Ill.) Board (1999). History of DuPage County, Illinois. Bowie, Md: Heritage Books. p. 145. ISBN   0788411977. OCLC   41579479.
11. Teague, Jane S. (2005). "Winfield, IL". Encyclopedia of Chicago . Retrieved December 10, 2021.
12. June 7, 1967, issue of the Winfield Glimpses
13. "Several Towns Named After Founders and Heroes". The Daily Herald. December 28, 1999. p. 220. Retrieved August 17, 2014– via Newspapers.com.
14. SANCHEZ, ROBERT. "Iconic Winfield Tavern Closing Doors After 96 Years". Daily Herald. Retrieved April 29, 2018.
15. Spanke 1978, pp. 104–112.
16. "The First Fifty Years… How it All Started". Winfield Fire Protection District. Retrieved May 3, 2013.
17. "Glimpses of Winfield". WordPress. Retrieved May 3, 2013.
18. "DuPage River, Illinois" (PDF). U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. July 2018. Retrieved December 10, 2021.
19. "Census of Population and Housing". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved June 4, 2015.
20. "The Long, Strange Trip of Hedges Station/Besch House". The Winfield Post. January 30, 2012. Archived from the original on June 1, 2016. Retrieved April 28, 2016.
21. Spanke 1978, pp. 161–164.
22. Spanke 1978, p. 119.
23. Spanke 1978, p. 123, 124.
24. "Locations". Winfield Park District. Retrieved December 10, 2021.
25. Barrett, Curt (October 6, 2021). "Ribbon Cutting Ceremony Marks Phase 1 of Riverwalk Completion" (Press release). Winfield, Illinois: Village of Winfield. Retrieved December 10, 2021.
26. County, Forest Preserve District of DuPage. "Places to Go-Forest Preserves-Winfield Mounds". www.dupageforest.org. Retrieved March 7, 2019.
27. "Red Hawk Park". Forest Preserve District of DuPage County. Retrieved December 10, 2021.
28. "Timber Ridge Forest Preserve". Forest Preserve District of DuPage County. Retrieved December 10, 2021.
29. "West DuPage Woods". Forest Preserve District of DuPage County. Retrieved December 10, 2021.
30. "Belleau Woods Forest Preserve". Forest Preserve District of DuPage County. Retrieved December 10, 2021.
31. "West Branch DuPage River Trail". County of DuPage. Retrieved December 10, 2021.
32. "West Branch DuPage River Trail: Blackwell to West DuPage Woods". Forest Preserve District of DuPage County . Retrieved December 10, 2021.
33. "New trail to run through downtown Winfield". Dailyherald.com. September 9, 2016. Retrieved January 20, 2018.
34. "Klein Creek Golf Club". Golf Advisor. Retrieved March 9, 2019.
35. "Our Schools". Winfield School District 34. Retrieved August 21, 2023.
36. "Pleasant Hill Elementary School". CUSD 200. Retrieved August 21, 2023.
37. "Home". St. John the Baptist Catholic School. Retrieved August 20, 2023.
38. "Contact". Wheaton Christian Grammar School. Retrieved August 20, 2023.
39. "RTA System Map" (PDF). Retrieved January 30, 2024.
40. "Michael Bowden Stats, Highlights, Bio | MiLB.com Stats | The Official Site of Minor League Baseball". Milb.com. Retrieved January 20, 2018.
41. Roumeliotis, Charlie (March 13, 2017). "Blackhawks ink prospect Anthony Louis to two-year deal | NBC Sports Chicago". Csnchicago.com. Retrieved January 20, 2018.
42. "Blackhawks sign Anthony Louis to two-year deal". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved January 20, 2018.
43. "Luke Putkonen Baseball Stats by Baseball Almanac". Baseball-almanac.com. Retrieved January 20, 2018.
44. "Rob Scahill Stats, Highlights, Bio | MiLB.com Stats | The Official Site of Minor League Baseball". Milb.com. Retrieved January 20, 2018.

References

• Spanke, Louise (1978). Winfield's Good Old Days: A History. Winfield, Ill: Winfield Public Library. OCLC   4884245.

Further reading

• Blanchard, Rufus (1882). "Winfield". History of Du Page County, Illinois. Chicago: O.L. Baskin & Co. p. 268. OCLC   20159934.

External links

• Official website