The
History of the Joliet Council #382
Joliet
Council #382 was chartered on November 27, 1898, due to the untiring efforts of
Grand Knight Enisha Meers, John T. Donahue and Thomas V. Brennan. The council
was not only active in the beginning years, but was an outstanding success. At
first the council had no permanent home. Meetings were held a various rented
halls. In the early 1900's a lot was purchased at the corner of Chicago St. and
Webster St. with the intention of erecting a council home. Plans were made and
specifications were drawn up, but due to prevailing economic conditions the
project was deferred.
In 1944 a large 10-room house was purchased at the corner of Jefferson and
Nicholson Streets. After many years of wandering, Council #382 was finally in
their own home. The following three years brought many new members and much
activity. It became clear that larger quarters were needed.
On October 1, 1947 the 18-year old Wunderlich Funeral Home at 417 Taylor street
was purchased by the Council. When we celebrated our 60th Anniversary in
November, 1958, it boasted we boasted a membership of 1,171. The membership
remained constant until the sale of the Taylor Street Home in the fall of 1964,
at which time the Council moved to downtown Joliet in rented quarters in the
former Woodruff Hotel on the corner of Jefferson and Scott Streets.
In January, 1962 a 7 acre tract on West Jefferson St. was purchased. The site
just east of the Joliet Armory was originally 3 acres. Developer Rommy Hammes of
Kankakee donated an additional 2 acres that same year and two more acres the
following year.
Ground breaking ceremonies took place in March, 1966. By November the office
space was completed and Council 382 moved to their new home.
In 1997 the City of Joliet put in a new street, Infantry Drive. The council sold
some land to Joliet and some of the Jefferson Street frontage to a funeral home.
The council presently owns about 5 acres on Infantry Dr.
The outside grounds are well tended and there is a large baseball field and
parking lot. The Home itself is made up of 3 office meeting rooms, a large
banquet hall, kitchen, and comfortable lounges. The hall itself is used for
meetings, dinner-dances, parties and lectures.
Knights of Columbus Council #382
