In the latter half of the 1950's Western Springs participated in a program that brought together like communities from around the world in an effort to strengthen international peace and understanding. Through this program, Western Springs was "twinned" with the community of Rugeley, England. Rugeley is a town considered roughly similar to Western Springs in size and about as far from England's second largest city, Birmingham, as Western Springs is from Chicago. Thus, Rugeley Road in Springdale subdivision was named after the town across the Atlantic.
In 1997, we celebrated the 40th Anniversary of this twinning. A group of residents representing a wide range of community groups came together to consider ways of commemorating the 40th Anniversary of the "twinning" with Rugeley. The formal recognition period kicked off with the Memorial Day Parade. The residents of Rugeley Road in Springdale constructed a "Rugeley" float for the parade. Celebrations continued on the Tower Green as part of the Business Association's "Gathering on the Green" on June 20, 1997.
