1898 Stock Certificate - Birth of Franklin Park IL in Chicago, Illinois For Sale

Serial-numbered xxxx stock certificate issued by Franklin Park Home Builders Association and printed by the Umbdenstock Co. Features classic font of Company name encircling a graphic of a vintage Franklin Park four level home with a double veranda, a circular spire rising on the far side, and a maple tree out front. The splendid double-veranda has a shingle-covered overhang roof supported by pillars rising from ground level. Document has handsome dollar-bill-green border and bottom-center features a sharp gold-colored underprint which states "$250" in large numerals. Signed by both Company secretary and president.
Lesser Franklin, a real-estate broker who settled in the area in the early xxxxs, purchased four farms totaling 600 acres from German farmers who mostly inhabited the area. Since xxxx when a major railroad company laid tracks and built a train station in the area, Franklin envisioned the development of an industrial hub that could blend with residential housing and provide abundant job opportunities to support its residents.
In the early xxxxs, Franklin built the community's center near the railway nucleus. He named the town Franklin Park and enticed prospective buyers with parades along LaSalle Street in downtown Chicago. He offered free Sunday train rides to the property and built a pavilion on Rose Street where potential customers received free food and beer, heard speeches, danced, and participated in contests. Lot sales exceeded a million dollars, and the community was incorporated in xxxx with a population of about 400.
In Excellent condition, document measures 11 X 12 1/4 inches and contains no flaws or imperfections. Suitable for framing.