Alarm system donated to Mt. Prospect Historical Society's Central School

The estate of Donald Hoeg, a longtime resident of Mount Prospect, has donated a fire and intrusion alarm system to the Mount Prospect Historical Society and has also paid for its installation in the society's 1896 one-room Central School, which is currently undergoing restoration.

The school is on the museum campus at 103 S. Maple St. The system was installed by John Gatsakos, president of Active Alarm Co. in Lake Zurich, who is Hoeg's son-in-law.

Hoeg, who received his doctorate in chemistry, died on March 20, 2014. He and his wife, Patricia, were active members of St. Raymond's Catholic Church and volunteers for Meals on Wheels and the Clearbrook Center in Arlington Heights.

Since then, the Mount Prospect Historical Society acquired the historic building in 2004, moved it in 2008, and began renovations. Local businesses and community members have repeatedly recognized its significance and donated resources and money to help support the project.

"The generous Hoeg donation is just the latest example of Mount Prospect residents supporting their community. The Mount Prospect Historical Society staff and board of directors express our deepest thanks to Dr. Donald Hoeg, John Gatsakos and Active Alarm Co. We are one step closer to opening Central School so it can once again serve our community," said Lindsay Rice, executive director of the society.

The nonprofit Mount Prospect Historical Society maintains the 1906 Dietrich Friedrichs house museum and carriage house and an ADA-accessible education center.