West Chicago museum hosts author’s talk on ‘Bet-A-Million Gates: The Man History Forgot’
The West Chicago City Museum invites the community to an evening with author Archie L. Bentz Jr. for a talk and book signing featuring his book “Bet-A-Million Gates: The Man History Forgot.” Hear the story of John Warne Gates, West Chicago’s most distinguished (and complicated) native son.
It will be held at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 13, at the Fox Community Center, 306 Main St. Admission is free, all are welcome, and light refreshments will be served.
Born in 1855 in what was then called Turner, Gates grew up on a farm at what is now the intersection of Forest Avenue and Route 59; the family home still stands on the northwest corner.
He attended school at Gary’s Mill, and began a rocky career in downtown West Chicago before falling in love with the “Belle of St. Charles” and leaving his hometown to bet on his financial prowess to transformed himself into one of the wealthiest industrialists in American history.
Gates became the world’s largest manufacturer of barbed wire, helped found the Texas Company (later Texaco), and built a fortune in steel and oil that earned him the nickname “Bet-A-Million.”
His fortune, however, did not come back to West Chicago. Loyal above all to his wife Dellora Baker, Gates willed his wealth to his widow and her family. The enormous wealth would fund what the building of the Hotel Baker, Baker Memorial Methodist Church, and the former Delnor Hospital, among other landmarks. West Chicago was only left with a cemetery monument and a very sad story.
Bentz’s book details Gates rise to riches, and tells the story of this Gilded Age great, drawing on historical records to profile a figure who shaped American industry but has largely slipped from public memory.
Following the presentation, Bentz will sign copies of his book.
“Bet-A-Million Gates” is a free event. No registration required. For questions, contact wegohistory@gmail.com.
The West Chicago City Museum, which is temporarily located at 200 Main St., is a dynamic history and art center that inspires and involves the community through research, programs and exhibits. Learn more about the museum and the town’s history at wegohistory.com