Rich Kulovany
Preserving the Past, Serving the Future: Rich Kulovany’s Community Legacy Humble Beginnings and Early Roots in Downers Grove Rich Kulovany’s story begins in 1952 at West Suburban Hospital in […]
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Biography
These pages show biographical information about notable people from Downers Grove’s past.
Jim Toth
Upon his arrival in Downers Grove in 2015, Toth swiftly immersed himself in the activities of the Historical Society. Soon thereafter he was on the Board of Directors. His keen awareness of
Virginia Allen Stehney
Early Life and Education Virginia Allen Stehney was a pioneering educator, environmental advocate, and dedicated civic leader whose work left a lasting impact on Downers Grove and beyond. Born in
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Jessica North MacDonald
Jessica North MacDonald lived a long and accomplished life devoted to literature, art, and the advancement of women’s education. While she is often remembered as the sister of noted author Sterling
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Lilly Karlson Tholin
A Life in Bloom With a name like Lilly, it seems only fitting that flowers would shape the course of her life. Born in Hinsdale, Illinois, in 1894, Lilly began
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Minnie Jones Prince
Minnie Harriet Jones Prince was far more than the wife of prominent real estate developer Earl Prince. In her own right, she was a civic leader, organizer, educator, and advocate
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Alexander Bradley Burns
Alexander Bradley Burns was born in Downers Grove on October 2, 1898, in Illinois to J.M. and Mary Burns. He had just graduated from high school when the war broke
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Mary Stewart Burns
A Mother to All Mary Stewart Burns was born in 1851 in New Hampshire and devoted her life to education, civic leadership, and the well-being of children. When she died
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Lucile Bush
Community Leader Descended from One of the First Families to Settle Downers Grove Born in Downers Grove in 1898, Lucile Bush was a lifelong resident whose century of life reflected
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