Welcome Des Plaines Memory! – Illinois Highlights

The IDHH welcomes the Des Plaines Public Library as a new stand-alone contributor. For years, the Des Plaines Public Library has contributed content through the Illinois Digital Archives. Now, Des Plaines provides over 1200 additional items through their own digital library, Des Plaines Memory, including hundreds of photographs, letters, newspaper clippings, and more that document the diverse history, people, and cultures of the city.
Des Plaines Memory includes a range of artifacts documenting life, history, and culture in the town of Des Plaines. This includes a big arts scene, local musicians, painters, writers, dancers, and many others. Many artists celebrate rich, multicultural heritage.

Photograph of a brightly colored mural on the brickwall of the side of a building — Mural by Jason Watts. 2019-06-10. Des Plaines Public Library. Des Plaines Memory. Permission to display was given by Des Plaines Public Library.

Photograph of an Indian Mehndi sometimes called henna tattoo on someone's hand — Culture of India, Mehndi Design. 2013-08-18. Des Plaines Public Library. Des Plaines Memory. Permission to display was given by Des Plaines Public Library.

An orchestral band including brass instruments, woodwinds, and percussion, performs outside in a band shell — Des Plaines Community Concert Band performs at the Band Shell by Lake Opeka. 2015-07-02. Des Plaines Public Library. Des Plaines Memory. Permission to display was given by Des Plaines Public Library.

Des Plaines’ collection boast a rich record of the distant past as well, including diaries from the Civil War.¹ This collection boasts several objects, including journals and images and is growing, and is a truly remarkable addition to the many Civil War artifacts available in IDHH collections.

Black and white photograph of Charles E. Bennett, bearded, wearing a dark overcoat. — Portrait of Chester E. Bennett. 1890. Des Plaines Public Library. Des Plaines Memory. Permission to display was given by Des Plaines Public Library.

In addition to the Civil War diaries, Des Plaines Memory holds a host of content related to wartime in the U.S. The collection includes images and documents from both World Wars, the Korean War, Vietnam, and more recent conflicts and commemorations. There are also numerous images and documents pertaining to the McDonnell Douglas factory once located in Des Plaines. The images below depict men and women who served in World War I and World War II.

Black and white photograph of a man in a World War II-era army uniform, seated — Douglas Wildfang. 1944-05-01. Des Plaines Public Library. Des Plaines Memory. Permission to display was given by Des Plaines Public Library.

Black and white photograph of Louise Huck in full World War II-era uniform on the platform next to train tracks at the Chicago & North Western depot — Louise Huck in Uniform. 1944. Des Plaines Public Library. Des Plaines Memory. Permission to display was given by Des Plaines Public Library.

Black and white photo of Rose "Rosebud" Pieper, smiling at camera, wearing World War II-era Army Nurse Corp uniform — Rose “Rosebud” Pieper. C. 1945. Des Plaines Public Library. Des Plaines Memory. Permission to display was given by Des Plaines Public Library.

Sepia tone photo of Clifton J. Hill in World War I-era naval uniform, standing with arms crossed — Clifton J. Hill. C. 1914. Des Plaines Public Library. Des Plaines Memory. Permission to display was given by Des Plaines Public Library.

Finally, Des Plaines memory includes selected works of local artist, Edward Dougal (1937-2016).¹ Dougal was a versatile artist with expertise in several forms and a host of media. He was a painter, sculptor, wood worker, and a writer and illustrator of children’s books. His pieces incorporating mirrors are among the most interesting, some of which are featured below.

Dougal, Edward (1937-2016). Five Buddhas. C. 2000-2015. Des Plaines Public Library. Des Plaines Memory. Permission to display was given by Des Plaines Public Library.

Dougal, Edward (1937-2016). Air Fire Water Earth. C. 2000-2015. Des Plaines Public Library. Des Plaines Memory. Permission to display was given by Des Plaines Public Library.

Dougal, Edward (1937-2016). I AM. 2013-09. Des Plaines Public Library. Des Plaines Memory. Permission to display was given by Des Plaines Public Library.

Dougal, Edward (1937-2016). Frozen Lake Michigan. 2013-10. Des Plaines Public Library. Des Plaines Memory. Permission to display was given by Des Plaines Public Library.

Dougal, Edward (1937-2016). Yin and Yang. 2014. Des Plaines Public Library. Des Plaines Memory. Permission to display was given by Des Plaines Public Library.

¹Editor’s Note, 09/2024: These items no longer exists in the IDHH.

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