Colonel McCormick, third from right, frequently invited veterans to Cantigny for reunions. Guests would ride the train to Winfield and then march two miles south to the Wheaton estate.
Courtesy of Cantigny Park
A local landmark is celebrating a major milestone in 2015. This week's #TBT Gallery features Cantigny Park in Wheaton, established 60 years ago upon the passing of benefactor Robert R. McCormick.
McCormick lived on the 500-acre Cantigny estate until his passing in 1955. In his will, he generously directed that his home and property be enjoyed by the people of Illinois for recreation and education. Cantigny is part of the nonprofit Robert R. McCormick Foundation.
McCormick's mansion became a museum, and in 1960 the original First Division Museum opened in what is now the Cantigny Visitors Center. The reason for a military museum at Cantigny ties directly to Colonel McCormick. During World War I he commanded an artillery battalion in the U.S. Army's First Infantry Division. In 1918, his unit supported the First Division's successful attack on German troops occupying the little village of Cantigny, France. After the war, McCormick renamed his estate to honor the Battle of Cantigny.
Formal gardens were added to Cantigny in 1967, and in 1992 the First Division Museum moved to its current location. Cantigny's championship golf course opened in 1989. More recent projects include a remodeled Visitors Center in 2008, Education Center in 2010 and an all-new front entrance on Winfield Road in 2014.
The public is invited to Cantigny for McCormick Day on Thursday, July 30, for an all-day 60th anniversary celebration. Entertainment includes three outdoor concerts, capped off by the Chicago Sinfonietta at 7:30 p.m. The concerts, activities and parking are free. Details are posted online at Cantigny.org.
Many thanks to Cantigny Park for providing historic photos for this gallery.
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Veterans were always welcomed at Cantigny by Colonel McCormick, third from right.
Courtesy of Cantigny Park
Cantigny Farm (see door of truck) is what Colonel McCormick named his estate after returning from service in World War I and the Battle of Cantigny. The property was originally called Red Oaks Farm. This photo is likely from the 1940s.
Courtesy of Cantigny Park
Military tanks on display, circa 1960.
Courtesy of Cantigny Park
The Cantigny Visitors Center as it looked 50 years ago. The building formerly served as the McCormick's horse stable. In 1960 it became the original First Division Museum.
Courtesy of Cantigny Park
This image from the late 1960s shows Cantigny's newly planted gardens. The Visitors Center is visible in the distance and the big oak tree still stands.
Courtesy of Cantigny Park
Colonel Robert R. McCormick's 1951 Christmas card.
Courtesy of Cantigny Park
Military weapon on display, circa 1960.
Courtesy of Cantigny Park
Grand Opening of the original First Division Museum in 1960.
Courtesy of Cantigny Park
Grand Opening of the original First Division Museum in 1960.
Courtesy of Cantigny Park
Colonel McCormick takes a swing! This photo was likely taken at a veterans reunion. McCormick enjoyed hosting fellow vets of the First Division or "Big Red One." Cantigny carries on that tradition today.
Courtesy of Cantigny Park
Colonel Robert R. McCormick cuts the cake at his 70th birthday party at Cantigny, in 1950.
Courtesy of Cantigny Park
Military weapons on display, circa 1967.
Courtesy of Cantigny Park
Entrance to McCormick Gardens; later Cantigny Park. Date unknown.
Courtesy of Cantigny Park
Entrance to Cantigny Park. Date unknown.
Courtesy of Cantigny Park
The Cantigny Park front entrance, circa 1967.
Courtesy of Cantigny Park
Robert McCormick with his first wife, Amy, on the steps of their home (now the McCormick Museum).
Courtesy of Cantigny Park
In 1963, the First Division Museum welcomed its 500,000th visitor. The honor went to Tom Ireland, on the left.
Courtesy of Cantigny Park
Military vehicles on display at Cantigny Park. Date unknown.
Courtesy of Cantigny Park
The tanks that now front the First Division Museum used to be located between the front entrance and the Visitors Center. The tanks (11 in all) technically still belong to the U.S. Army.
Courtesy of Cantigny Park
Cantigny fountain, circa 1970s.
Courtesy of Cantigny Park
U.S. Air Force Band of Mid American perform at Cantigny Park led by conductor Lt. Col. Steven Grino.
Daily Herald File Photo 2002
A Group of ROTC high school students from the Fox Valley Composite Squad with the Air Force Auxiliary, all dressed in different uniforms from different wars, gather on a tank during the Armed Forces day event at Cantigny Park.
Daily Herald File Photo 2004
Steven Hawkins, left, Director of Information Management, and Paul Herbert, Cantigny Museum director, discuss the modified wave cutting front of a PA 45-18 landing craft vehicle and personnel carrier. Carrying 30-35 troops these crafts led the first assault on the Omaha beaches at Normandy. This craft is one of only 12 left out of a 22,000 unit production.
DANIEL WHITE/dwhite@dailyherald.com 2008
D-Day veteran Dr. Marvin Mullen of Villa Park, right, on the LCVP (Landing Craft, Vehicle and Personnel) which he drove in the World War II and was unveiled as part of the 65th anniversary of D-Day at Cantigny Park. On the left is volunteer Tom Nishida of Chicago.
BEV HORNE/bhorne@dailyherald.com 2009