Village of Maywood history

In 1869, a group of Vermont businessmen formed the Maywood Company and purchased the village's original plat—a narrow, one-and-three-quarters-mile strip along the Des Plaines River.

The Maywood Company built over 100 houses in 1872.

The Village seemed to be on the road to prosperity until 1873, when growth slowed.

Colonel Nichols lived here until his death in 1882.

On October 10, 1895, a group of concerned citizens met at the Proviso Land Association office to discuss fire protection.

Chief Dickey served until 1904, when Frank Gustavision, a grocer, was named as his replacement.

In 1919, Maywood bought its first motorized hose truck, an American LaFrance.

The Village of Maywood Fire Department became a small paid department in 1928; however, many volunteers remained on call to respond to fires.

In 1929, the Village purchased the town’s first ladder truck, which was put into service and manned at the fire station.

Three years later, in 1932, the Maywood Fire Department became a full-time paid department.

In 1958, a new fire station was built at 1220 S. 17th Avenue (shown to the left). The addition of the 17th Avenue station meant that Maywood was better served with stations at both the north and south ends of town.

The Maywood Fire Department purchased its last American LaFrance in 1972.

The organization sponsored a gala 50th Anniversary Banquet in September 1992.