A new biography of William H. Malone, the real estate developer who built the Pickwick Theatre and served as Park Ridge's second mayor, aims to tell the full story of a man whose legacy is far more complicated than the landmarks he left behind.

"Hundred Cents on the Dollar: The Unbelievable Story of Wm. H. Malone," by author Ben Thompson, profiles the developer who shaped Uptown Park Ridge in the early 20th century, the Journal & Topics reported Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026. The book's title refers to Malone's repayment of bank depositors in full during the Great Depression.

Malone served as mayor from 1912 to 1914. He went on to develop the Pickwick Theatre, which opened in 1928, and the building now occupied by Chase Bank to its north. But his ambitions extended well beyond Park Ridge. In 1921, then-Gov. Len Small appointed Malone to the Illinois Tax Commission, where he served for 10 years, five as chair. He ran for governor himself in the 1932 Republican primary, losing to Small.

His story took a darker turn. According to the book's description, Malone was imprisoned over a $5.23 tax bill and later pardoned by President Franklin Roosevelt.

The Pickwick: still standing, still showing films

The theatre Malone commissioned remains one of Park Ridge's most recognizable buildings. Designed by architects R. Harold Zook and William F. McCaughey, the Pickwick features a 100-foot tower capped by an ornamental 15-foot iron lantern and a limestone sunburst carving. Park Ridge sculptor Alfonso Iannelli contributed the interior ornamentation, including sculptures, murals, plaster panels and the cast-iron marquee outside.

That marquee went national in 1983 when it appeared in the opening credits of Siskel & Ebert's "At the Movies." It was restored to its original 1928 appearance in 2012. The Pickwick sits on the National Register of Historic Places and holds local landmark status.

The theatre is still active.

G-Fest 2026 screened Godzilla films there nightly in July, and "Saving Ferris Butler" is scheduled to run Sept. 18–24.

The fountain next to Rita's

Malone's other surviving gift to the city stands at the intersection of Meacham Avenue, Cedar Street and Northwest Highway, on a triangular plot next to Rita's Italian Ice. In 1926, he commissioned nationally renowned Park Ridge sculptor John Paulding to design a bronze two-tiered drinking fountain for people and animals.

Its inscription still reads: "This fountain was built AD-1926 for the pleasure and refreshment of my friends – my neighbors – and all who may pass this way."

The Malone Fountain was designated an official Park Ridge Landmark in 2025. On July 3, 2026, the city held a rededication ceremony marking the fountain's 100th anniversary, with remarks from Mayor Marty Maloney, Park Ridge Park District Executive Director John Shea and Rev. James Wallace of St. Paul of the Cross Church.

No local book signing or Historical Society event tied to "Hundred Cents on the Dollar" has been announced. The book is listed on Amazon as an ebook; a print release date has not been confirmed.