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Former book seller part of Temperance House legacy

Ed Chesko, center, who died Oct. 23, is shown at the closing Aug. 2, 2010 where he donated the Israel Stowell Temperance House to the Delavan Historical Society. Standing, from the left, are Delavan Alderman Dave Kilkenny, Larry Waller, Delavan Historical Society President Patti Marsicano, Vice Chairman John K. Finley and Save the Temperance House Committee Chairwoman Gerri Green. The historical society hopes to keep the build. Photo courtesy of Dale Thorpe.

DELAVAN -- Edward Chesko, 88, who recently donated the historic Israel Stowell Temperance House to the Delavan Historical Society, died Oct. 23 at Willowfield Nursing Home, Delavan.

The Historical Society is in the process of raising money to renovate the 170-year-old building. Chesko deeded the building to the society in a closing on Aug. 2.

Chesko owned the Old Delavan Book Company and used the building to store thousands of books.

“I will miss Eddie dearly,” said longtime friend Larry Waller of Darien. Waller called Chesko a civic-minded person and a Good Samaritan who helped others in need within the community, often delivering food to individuals and places like area alternative high schools.

Being born shortly before the Great Depression colored Chesko, Waller said.

“He was a product of his time who couldn’t stand to see anything wasted,” he said. “If something was serviceable, he’d find a use or a home for it. That was his mission and his joy.”

Patti Marsicano, president of the Delavan Historical Society, said society members were “shocked and in mourning” over Chesko’s death.

“I think he felt a great sense of relief that the building wasn’t going to be torn down,” Marsicano said. “We took on a great responsibility, but I think it made Ed happy to know we were taking care of it. He’s moved on now, and we’ve become the keepers of the building.”