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is a village in Cook County, Illinois, United States. The population was 23,171 at the 2000 census. Melrose Park has long been home to a large Italian-American population, though it also contains many Mexican-Americans. It also is the home of Kiddieland Amusement Park, Maywood Park Racetrack, Shrine of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, and Stern Pinball, Inc.. Stern Pinball is the world's last manufacturer of coin-operated pinball machines.
According to the Encyclopedia of Chicago, in 1882 residents in the what was then unincorporated Proviso Township voted to establish their own municipality, and population in the area began to steadily increase. At the turn of the century, the recent population surge plateaued and industry began to slow down. It wasn't until World War I that the local economy was able to recover, the result of large numbers of manufacturing companies setting up shop in the village. New industry, coupled with Melrose's prime geographic location next to the Proviso freight yards, led to a steady increase in the number of area jobs. This continued through World War II, with still more companies moving their headquarters to Melrose. Zenith, Alberto-Culver, Jewel, and the International company are just some examples. Many of these companies are still located in Melrose Park and local industry remains stable.
During the late 1990's, in an effort to attract more commerce, the village overwent a large cosmetic change, beginning with the redesigning of all village street signs. The wooded area on both sides of Silver Creek, between Broadway and 17th along North Avenue, was almost completely dug up, the grass replaced, and wood chips were added along the bases of the remaining trees. Many busy streets were repaved and the athletic field next to the village hall was completely redone. This has helped not only to attract new businesses, but also many first-time home buyers.
Melrose Park has been the target of many scandals involving corruption of its public officials. Former police chief Vito Scavo was indicted on federal racketeering charges after a lengthy investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The athletic field next to the village hall is named after the late Ralph "Babe" Serpico, father of the current mayor, Ronald M. Serpico, who had been convicted of extortion and racketeering. Ronald Serpico has been the object of scrutiny in federal investigations as well.