ABOUT US > TOWNSHIP HISTORY
Township government has a long and rich history in America. The Township
form of government was created by the earliest American settlers during
the mid-1600's in response to autocratic, centralized governments
from which many had fled. Seeking greater freedom and participation
in government, residents developed new towns with a simple form of
local government, which gave each resident a voice in decisions affecting
the community.
An important part of this local government consisted of town meetings,
where every citizen had the right of free discussion on every public
issue. They elected their own officials, called"selectmen"
to ensure that the decisions made at the town meeting were carried
out. This early form of Township government played a significant role
in the development of democracy in America.
In 1787, the United States Congress established the Northwest Territory.
Many of the early pioneers to this region were from the northeastern
states where Township government was the most popular governmental
unit. These early settlers brought not only energy and spirit to the
growing towns and cities of the Midwest but also enthusiasm for the
township form of local government.
History of Township Government in Illinois
In Illinois, townships were established as units of state government
under the 2nd Illinois Constitution of 1848. Up to this point, a County
Commission form of local government prevailed. Under this form, the
county unit was the governing body, with commissioners responsible
for the administrative and legislative affairs of towns and villages
within a county.
In 1849, voters within Illinois counties were given the right to
adopt the township form of local government. With the option of choosing
a township type of government, voters had the opportunity to elect
officials from their local communities who would be directly responsible
for conducting business necessary to maintain their communities.
Over the next several decades, the response to adopting township
government exploded and today, 85 of Illinois 102 counties operate
under a township form of local government, with 1,433 townships serving
more than 8 million people.
History of Oak Park Township
Oak Park was made a township by the Cook County Board on November
17, 1902. The incorporation of Oak Park Township followed the formal
incorporation of the Village of Oak Park by nearly a year. The governments
have shared the same boundaries since that time.
The first slate of officers met on April 7, 1903 and included George
Jenkins Bliss as Township Supervisor; James E. Tristram (as both Township
Clerk and, by tradition, Village Clerk, until 1969 when the two offices
were separated by electors); Thomas H. Gale as Township Collector;
and Chris F. Hafner as Assessor.
Oak Park Township residents also elected five Justices of the Peace
and five Constables (this office was eliminated in 1936). Constables
served legal papers for the courts. Justices of the Peace presided
over the only courts of those early years, and also sat on the Township
Board until 1961 when they were replaced by Township Auditors (this
last title changed to "Trustee" in 1974).
In 1936, a small group of electors put the Supervisor in charge of
relief for the village poor. The state authorized Oak Park Township
to levy an annual tax of thirty cents on each dollar of assessed valuation
for Poor Relief (now called General Assistance). By virtue of this
duty, the Township Supervisor has become the Township Treasurer.
The Township Board, comprised of four Trustees and the Supervisor,
is the policy-making body of Oak Park Township. The Township Assessor
and Collector did not (and still do not) serve on the Township Board.
Oak Park Township has grown over the years since its inception in
1902 and currently serves a population of over 50,000. In addition
to continuing to provide financial relief to needy area residents,
Oak Park Township funds and administers many programs for area seniors
and youth. Oak Park Township Youth Services and Senior Citizens Services
were established in the late 1960's. The Township also provides funding
to various mental heath agencies through its Community Mental Health
Board, which was formed in 1973.
What's the difference between the Township and the Village?
A - They're two distinct government entities serving the constituency
of Oak Park with separate budgets, separate staffs and different functions.
B - The Township focuses on human and social services, while
the Village focuses on municipal services such as police, fire, parking
and streets.
C - Village Hall is located at Madison and Lombard, the Township
is located at 105 S Oak Park Avenue.
D - All of the above.
Answer
Oak Park Township
Centennial - 1903-2003
