| Membership level: Hall of Fame Charles O. Foster Inductee Year 2011 |  |
| Charles O. "Chuck" Foster was a member of the class of 1952, the first graduating class at the "new" Hinsdale High School at its present location. He was Hinsdale's football manager for four years ending with the state champion team of 1952, some of whose members nominated Chuck for our Hall of Fame. After serving in the Army, where he was trained to be a teacher in the Quartermaster School, Chuck graduated from the University of Illinois and joined his family's business, a Firestone store called Hinsdale Home and Auto Supply. In 1960, Chuck and his father formed C. Foster Toys, Inc., a veritable Institution to Hinsdale kids of all ages, which he operated for 47 years until 2007, when he sold the business to Tree Top Kids of Washington D.C. In addition to running his own business, Chuck served on the board of directors of Bank of Hinsdale, and later on the board of the Midwest Bank of Hinsdale. Chuck was an avid volunteer as well, serving countless local organizations including the Hinsdale Village Board of Trustees, the Hinsdale Village Plan Commission, the Hinsdale Central Boosters Club, the Hinsdale Central Foundation, Hinsdale Rotary Club, The Committee of 100, Jaycees and the Hinsdale Chamber of Commerce, serving two separate terms as president. He was an active member of the Union Church, serving in several positions including Treasurer and Men's Club President. He served in several positions at Salt Creek Club, including President, and was committee chairman of Hinsdale's 125th Birthday Celebration. In 2001, Chuck was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award from The Committee of 100. In 2007, the Hinsdale Chamber of Commerce created the "Charles Foster Award" for Excellence in Business Achievement, with Chuck as the first recipient of what would become an annual award. In 2010, Hinsdale Avenue between Garfield and Washington streets was dedicated as "Chuck Foster Way." Chuck was married to his wife, Jane, with whom he celebrated his 50th wedding anniversary in December of 2009, just a month prior to his passing. Together they have three grown sons, Mike, Jim and Steve, seven grandchildren and four great grandchildren. |
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