From storm-downed trees comes a West Chicago legacy
Downed trees from the storm that hit West Chicago's Reed-Keppler Park on July 1, 2012, continue to give back to the community more than three years later through the talents of architect, woodworker and former resident Jeff Perkis.
The city commissioned Perkis to create a lasting legacy that celebrates the heritage and culture of many of its residents, and that will play a major role in the Mexican Independence Day Parade and Celebration Sunday, Sept. 13, in the downtown.
Perkis and his uncle, Ron Myers, created a 4-foot-tall, solid red oak bell stand with walnut accents, sturdy enough to hold the approximately 80-pound train bell that has been at the center of the annual historical re-enactment of El Grito de la Independencia, or the Cry of Independence.
As a member of the Wood Utilization Team and the Chicago Furniture Design Association, Perkis is a specialist in sustainable design using urban wood. Perkis became aware of the need for the bell stand after he was introduced to West Chicago resident Tom Tawney.
Tawney's father-in-law, Lorenzo Covarrubias, emigrated from Mexico in 1957 as one of the first Mexican families to settle in West Chicago. He holds the distinction of being West Chicago's Patron de la Campana, or Patron of the Bell, and has offered the use of his bell for West Chicago's El Grito for the past 23 years.
However, over the years, its makeshift bell stand has become worn and was in need of replacement.
The city agreed to underwrite the cost and labor for Perkis and Myers to build a new bell stand. The design replicates some of the styles existing within the community, particularly the Arts and Crafts style of many of the homes in the area.
Perkis also referenced work done by architect brothers Greene and Greene, and ended up translating elements of these designs into his own. His fine craftsmanship and woodworking skills produced a stand that is beautiful and worthy of the momentous historic event that it celebrates.
The project has come to have great personal significance for Perkis.
"I grew up playing baseball, football and soccer at Reed-Keppler Park. I spent a large part of my childhood in that park," Perkis said.
He continues to wonder from which tree this wood may have come, and whether he had seen it in the park before.
"I found myself reminiscing about many childhood memories. I felt, and still do feel, very proud that I was able to give this wood, from such a devastating event, a chance to continue to be enjoyed by the community," he said.
"I am happy that not all the wood from that storm was turned into firewood or mulch, and I hope this will help others to see that there is opportunity for a higher use of wood from our own backyards."
Perkis presented the new bell stand to the West Chicago City Museum Aug. 26. He plans to use some of the sawdust and wood chips he collected from the project to make paper on which he will print the details of the stand's creation so that it will tell its story for future generations.
The stand remains at the museum when it is not being used at the city event.