Hoffman Estates' founder to help celebrate anniversary

A walk down the hallowed halls of history in honor of octogenarian Jack Hoffman, who with his late father Sam was the original developer of Hoffman Estates, takes place in one of the schools that Hoffman built.

Yesteryear's face will wear a smile when Hoffman relives the early days, especially those focusing on the schools of the town that bears his and his father's name. Hoffman, and some of the engineering and construction teams with whom he associated, will take center stage at a 12:30 p.m. fundraiser luncheon to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Fairview School Saturday in Fairview Elementary School, 375 Arizona Blvd., Hoffman Estates. Before that, from 10 a.m. to noon, guests may view displays of area schools and tour Fairview School.

The Hoffmans are unique because they not only donated land but also built the first six schools for Hoffman Estates. The name of their firm designated the relationship of the pair: F & S Construction Co., named so to delineate father and son. The Hoffmans poured nearly $1.3 million into the first six schools.

In the early '50s before the village was incorporated, the Hoffmans sought zoning for their proposed development but the Cook County Board denied it. Area farmers on that board fought the zoning requested to develop the first area of Hoffman Estates still designated as Parcel A, the area sandwiched between Golf and Higgins roads with Roselle Road as a western border. Hoffman Estates incorporated Sept. 23, 1959.

Pat Barch received clarification when she became village historian that the farmers were adamant they couldn't support education for the amount of children the development would house.

"The farmers fought the decision until Sam Hoffman offered to donate the land for schools and build those schools as well," Barch said. "With that promise, the farmers relented."

The first school F & S constructed was in 1956 and named Twinbrook (early residents voted to name the town Twinbrook but were defeated), a building in Parcel A now a warehouse for District 54. In 1957 the company built Fairview, still in use, and Hoffman School, now the Korean Church. Black Hawk School, the first to have doors leading outdoors from each classroom, went up in 1958 but was demolished to make room for the Schaumburg Township building at Illinois Boulevard and Roselle roads in Hoffman Estates. Lakeview Elementary School, still serving residents, saw completion in 1959 and Hillcrest, now known as Lincoln Prairie School, opened in 1961.

Besides Hoffman others expected are Bill Griffin, F. & S. engineering vice president; Dyrle Rathman, an engineer and later a trustee; Harry Buck, a project manager at the time the Highlands was developed; Bobby Henson, a 47-year employee; Ben Moore, an earthmover and Connie Dalittlo, office manager.