Vattman Vegins Traditional Cache
ILReviewer: Since I haven't heard from the owner I'm reluctantly archiving this cache. If the owner wishes to reactivate this cache in the next couple of months, please e-mail me at IllinoisGeocacher@yahoo.com and I'll unarchive it as soon as I can.
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You're looking for a magnetized key-holder near a public park commemorating a prominent local neighbor. Please be careful putting the container back in the location you found it and in good condition. Thanks! Please take care when putting this cache back in its place! Thanks!
This cache sits overlooking the enjoyable, neighborhood field and playground that commemorates Monsignor Edward Vattman, who lived a few blocks away, on Lake Avenue.
Army major, veteran chaplain at Fort Sheridan and prominent North Shore resident, epitomizes the illustrious career of Msgr. Edward J. Vattman, oldest ranking Roman Catholic chaplain in the United States army at the time of his death, September 29, 1919.
A close friend of President Theodore Roosevelt, whom he met during the Spanish-American war, Father Vattman received the following tribute from the President: "Major Vattman was my greatest friend—he was my right-hand man, during our controversy over the Philippines."
Born in Germany in 1841, Father Vattman came to America when a young man. The noted priest served through several Indian campaigns. After the Spanish-American war, he was sent to the Philippines in 1803. In 1915, he was created a monsignor by the pope in recognition of his 50th year in the priesthood.
At the outbreak of America's war with Germany, Father Vattman went to Washington and rejoined the army which he had served so long. Appointed a major, he was detailed to Fort Sheridan where he stayed until failing health compelled him to relinquish all active service. In his Indian campaigning days the redmen called Father Vattman "The Large Pine Tree" and he was noted for his fight against selling liquor to the Indians in the early days of the West.
A friend of six Presidents —Hayes, Garfleld, McKinley, Roosevelt, Taft, and Wilson—Father Vattman prided himself upon his close relationship with "Teddy" On his studio walls in his home at 1733 Lake avenue, hung autographed pictures of these men. Father Vattman and President Roosevelt maintained an intimate correspondence and Father Vattman was regarded as one of Mr. Roosevelt's closest advisors on matters concerning religious affairs. He was official representative of President Roosevelt in the Philippines shortly after the rebellion in the far east possessions. Under direction of the President he brought several hundred Filipinos to this country to be educated for service in the islands.
President Roosevelt never came to Chicago without paying a visit to his friend in Wilmette. Father Vattman was the first man to be called to the bedside of Mr. Roosevelt when the latter was in a Milwaukee hospital pierced by a would-be assassin's bullet.
In addition to his services as an army chaplain and in church circles, Father Vattman took a keen interest in New Trier Township affairs. From 1907 until his death in 1919, he was a member of the New Trier Township High school board and an original member of the park commission, serving from 1908 to 1918.
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
V arire pnerq zhpu sbe zbbayvg fxvrf
V arire jvax onpx ng sversyvrf
Ohg abj gung gur fgnef ner va lbhe rlrf ...
Treasures
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