Founders Fest 2026 was a wonderful week of events celebrating Downers Grove history and its preservation. The first event was the Pine Hollow Golf Tournament. The Downers Grove Historical Society collaborated with the Belmont Golf Club, founded in 1892. The 47th annual Pine Hollow Open featured a 9-hole stroke play event. “The Longest Drive Contest”—”In Memory of Dave Eckdahl”—was won by Melissa Eckdahl, who is the daughter of Dave Eckdahl.
Tivoli was the second theater in America designed and built for talking movies (the first was Brooklyn Paramount in November of the same year). Beginning with an organist performance, A Night at the Tivoli event shared a new documentary. Partnering with Jim Toth of Node Films, The Man Who Changed How We Hear Movies, the story tells how a Downers Grove theater student forever changed the way we hear and see the movies.
Rich Kulovany was also presented with the 2026 Historian of the Year award. Rich began his story in Chicago in 1952. Joseph, a Marine Corps veteran of the Battle of Iwo Jima, who was a machinist and carpenter in civilian life, with the help of family members, was building the family’s home at 240 4th Street on the NE corner of 4th and Florence in Downers Grove. He married Kathy in 1972 at Downers Grove’s St. Mary of Gostyn Church and held their reception at the DG American Legion Hall. He raised three children. Rich has been involved in numerous civic organizations and has been a true advocate for volunteering, which has brought such richness to his life. He truly is a legacy of inspiration and change.
On Saturday, the Windy City Walkers group walk was well attended, and they joined us at the Main Street Cemetery for the Founder of the Year ceremony where blacksmith Nathan Alonzo Belden, a Downers Grove pioneer ,was honored.
Following the Founder of the Year ceremony, we all headed over to Country in the Park where many families enjoyed a beautiful day to see farm animals (including baby animals), visit the booths where old- time crafts were exhibited, play games from the olden days in the front yard of the museum, or watch a fascinating blacksmithing demonstration. All while listening to live music. The event was free and was hosted by the Downers Grove Park District, the Downers Grove Library, and the Downers Grove Museum.
Downers Grove Historical Society Board Member Bruce Swanson questioned the kids to see which animal stole the show. The winners of the “Most Popular” animal contest were: #1 – baby goats, #2 – bunny, and #3 – the donkey. Thank you to everyone who attended, volunteered, partnered, and helped make Founders Fest 2026 such a memorable celebration of Downers Grove history!
