Timeline of Downers Grove

Compiled using research and images courtesy of the Downers Grove Museum.

Downers Grove Population is 2,518
Downers Grove Population is 2,518

1870 — The census data from that time shows the population was 2,518, but that is only counting white and black people born in the U.S. There are additional numbers for immigrants and Native Peoples. To see the full 1870 census, click here. Downers Grove is listed on page 4.

Captain T.S. Rogers Elected 1st Village President
Captain T.S. Rogers Elected 1st Village President

On March 29, 1873, Downers Grove is incorporated and Captain T.S. Rogers is elected the first Village President. The first meeting of the Village Board was on April 26, 1873

Downers Grove is Incorporated
J W. Nash Store (dry goods) - Corner of Burlington and Main

In 1873 approval was given for village incorporation, with 49 aye votes and 38 nays. T. S. Rogers was chosen first village president, serving sixteen years. Operating expenses that year were $600, half spent for streets and alleys. The first sidewalk of two inch planks was built along Maple Avenue.

Population Reaches 2,500

1890 — Downers Grove’s population is 2,500.

Charles Blodgett Moves & Builds New Home
Charles Blodgett Moves & Builds New Home

1892 — Charles Blodgett, son of Israel Blodgett, moves his childhood pioneer home to the back of the property and builds his Victorian home on top its foundation. This building becomes the Downers Grove Museum in 1976.

1893 Columbian Exposition
1893 Columbian Exposition

May 1, 1893 – Oct 30, 1893

Charles Blair McDonald Builds Golf Course
Charles Blair McDonald Builds Golf Course

Charles Blair McDonald and his Chicago Club colleagues establish the first 18-hole golf course west of the Allegheny Mountains.

Watertower Built
Watertower Built

1894 — Pumping stations and water tower are built.

Telephone Call Costs 20 Cents

1894 — A call to Chicago on the Carpenter’s Drug Store single telephone costs 20 cents.

Colonel Blodgett Earns Medal of Honor
Wells Medal of Honor

1894 — Colonel Wells Blodgett earns a Medal of Honor for his service during the Civil War.

Sears Homes Come to Downers Grove
Sears Home under construction

1908-1940 — Sears Homes and other “kit” homes are built in Downers Grove. 24 Sears Homes still remain.

World War I begins

1914 — World War I begins.

Downers Grove Purchases First Motorized Fire Truck
Downers Grove Purchases First Motorized Fire Truck

1921 — Downers Grove purchases its first motorized fire truck.

Lottie Holman-O’Neill First Woman Elected to Illinois House
Lottie Holman-O’Neill

November 7, 1922 – Lottie Holman-O’Neill is the first woman to be elected to the Illinois House of Representatives. A bathroom had to be built for her at the State Capitol.

Dr. James Breasted Opens King Tut’s Tomb
Dr. James Breasted Opens King Tut’s Tomb

November 29, 1922 — Dr. James Breasted aides in the opening of the tomb of King Tut in Egypt and translates the tomb’s runes. Dr. James Henry Breasted moved to Downers Grove with his family in 1871, when Breasted was 6 years old. He attended the Lincoln School from 1873…
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High School Built
Downers Grove North High School

1928 — Downers Grove High School (now Downers Grove North High School) is built.

Tivoli Theater Opens
Tivoli Theater

December 25, 1928 — The Tivoli Theatre opens and becomes the second theatre in the United States that was specifically designed for talking pictures.

Burlington-Zephyr Passes Through
Burlington Zephyr

May 26, 1934 – The Burlington-Zephyr train’s first passage through Downers Grove, traveling at 85 mph.

Downers Grove Native Chief Designer for the P-51 Mustang Fighter
Art "Birdman" Chester

1940 — Art “Birdman” Chester, a Downers Grove native and stunt pilot, is the chief designer for the P-51 Mustang fighter plane.

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