John Miles Venard
John Miles Venard (1886–1969) was a fixture in the village in the early 1900s. Beginning his postal career at age 19 in 1906, he delivered mail for 51 years, retiring […]
Navigation Menu
Michael Walter (Mike) Venard
Michael “Mike” Venard (1880 – 1942) was born in 1880 to James and Katherine Redmond Venard in Downers Grove, Illinois. Mike became one of Downers Grove’s most recognized law enforcement
Michael Walter (Mike) Venard Read More »
What’s In A Name?
Venard Road Venard Road sits in the north section of Downers Grove, its South end beginning at Ogden Avenue and winding its way north. As it stretches northward, it skirts
Cheers to Another Successful History on Tap Pub Crawl!
Downtown Downers Grove was full of excitement last Thursday as the Downers Grove Historical Society hosted its annual History on Tap event. The lively pub crawl brought together local history
Cheers to Another Successful History on Tap Pub Crawl! Read More »
Meet one of Downers Grove’s own heroes this Veterans Day.
In honor of Veterans Day on November 11th, we’re remembering Downers Grove’s own Fred Faulkner Lester — a Navy Corpsman whose bravery at the Battle of Okinawa during World War
Meet one of Downers Grove’s own heroes this Veterans Day. Read More »
Leuschner House Joins Downers Grove’s Historic Home Program
Built in 1931, the home at at 4425 Wilson Avenue has recently been accepted in the Downers Grove Historic Home Program. The house is a beautifully restored Tudor Revival home
Leuschner House Joins Downers Grove’s Historic Home Program Read More »
The Willie and Margarete Herta Leuschner House
A charming Tudor Revival home on Wilson Avenue is turning heads for all the right reasons. Built in 1931, the residence at 4425 Wilson Avenue—now known as The Willie and
The Willie and Margarete Herta Leuschner House Read More »
Carnegie Library Plaque Unveiling
The Downers Grove Historical Society and the Downers Grove Public Library partnered to honor the library’s original Carnegie Library site as the 2025 Historic Site at a special ceremony on
Carnegie Library Plaque Unveiling Read More »
Downers Grove Historical Society Welcomes New Leadership
The Downers Grove Historical Society is entering a new chapter in leadership while honoring the contributions of the past. After serving as president for nearly four years, Amy Gassen is stepping down
Downers Grove Historical Society Welcomes New Leadership Read More »
The Naramore House
At 4901 Montgomery Avenue, The Naramore House has been stopping passersby for nearly a century. With its creamy stucco walls, red clay tile roof, arched windows, and wrought-iron details, the home
The Naramore House Read More »