A Square Celebration: 150 Years of History June 22-26, 1994, Page 30

Cartoonist Chester Gould made Woodstock his home Dick Tracy cartoonist Chester Gould resided in Woodstock from 1935 until his death in 1985. Both Gould and his wife Edna donated much of their time to community service projects. Born in Pawnee, Oklahoma, in 1900, Chester Gould arrived in Chicago in 1921. The young man had $50 in his pocket and a dream of becoming a cartoonist for the Chicago Tribune. His first purchase with that $50 was a drawing board and a taboret (small stool) to use in his $6/week room on LaSalle Street. First called Plainclothes Tracy, the Dick Tracy strip was inspired by the gangsters and hoodlums of a depression-era Chicago. Dick Tracy first appeared in the DetroitMirror'in October of 1931, followed by the New York Daily News and finally, the Chicago Tribune. Gould came to Woodstock in 1935, where he bought a farm and raised cows. He drew Dick Tracy at home and took the train to his Chicago Tribune office once a week. The Goulds became very involved in community affairs, donating their time and talents to several projects. Both Chester and his wife, Edna, worked with the Easter Seal Society for McHenry County in the 1950s. Chester donated artwork for the All-America City campaign in 1964 (see page 28) and served as honorary chairman for the Memorial Hospital fund drive in 1980. Gould retired on Christmas Day, 1977, having written and drawn Dick Tracy for more than 46 years. He passed away on May 11, 1985. First Crimestoppers Club started in Woodstock in 1947 The original Crimestoppers Club started in Woodstock in 1947. Saturday morning meetings were run by Chester Gould and Police Chief Emery Hansman. Meetings in the basement of the Opera House featured guest speakers, movies, safety talks and tours of interest, including the fire station and jail. Merchants often donated prizes for the club members. Crimestoppers Clubs for kids to help combat crime soon formed across the country. AT HEADQUARTERS WHEN'LL TRACY BE BACK, PAT? SHOULD BE HERE ANY MINUTE, JUNIOR. WHAT'S UP? OH NOTHING MUCH. I JUST WANTED TO SHOW HIM A LITTLE DRAWING -AND WE'RE GOING TO CALL OURSELVES THE CRIMESTOPPERS. WE FELL WE CAN DO A LOT OF GOOD AMONG KIDS. "CRIMESTOPPER," EH? We'll help kids that need help. We'll find odd jobs for 'em to do after school. We'll be friends with them. Sort of a detective club of helping hands, Mr. Tracy.