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Timeline of Downers Grove

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

U.S. Enters World War II

1941

December 7, 1941 — Following the attack on Pearl Harbor, the United States declares war on Japan.

Germany Surrenders

1945

May 8, 1945 — Germany surrenders.

Medal of Honor Recipient Fred Lester Killed at Battle of Okinawa

1945

June 8, 1945 — Fred Lester was killed in the Battle of Okinawa. He was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his service. For more information on the life of Fred Lester, click here.

World War II Ends

1945

September 2, 1945 — World War II ends with the surrender of Japan.

Zephyr Train Crashes at the Main Street Station

1947

April 3, 1947 – The Burlington Twin-City Zephyr passenger train crashes at the Main Street Train Station and kills three people.

Downers Grove’s population is 11,886

Main Street - View north from Memorial Hall

1950

1950 — Downers Grove’s population is 11,886.

Downers Grove’s population is 21,154

1960

1960 — Downers Grove’s population is 21,154.

Sterling North Writes Rascal

1963

1963 — Downers Grove resident, Sterling North, writes Rascal.

Downers Grove South High School is Built

1964

1964 — Downers Grove South High School is built after a referendum had passed on Nov. 25, 1962 for the building of a second high school at the cost of $4,050,000.

Historical Society Founded

1968

In 1968, a small group of active Downers Grove residents founded the Downers Grove Historical society with the stated mission of : “To bring together those people interested in history, and especially in the history of Downers Grove and D.G. Township, understanding the history of our community and our state…
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Downers Grove’s Population is 32,000

1970

1970 — Downers Grove’s population is 32,000.

Good Samaritan Hospital is Built

1976

1976 — Good Samaritan Hospital is built, costing $33 million.

Park District Museum Opens

1977

January 30, 1977 – The Downers Grove Museum opens in the 1892 Blodgett House.

Betty Cheever Serves as the First Female Mayor

1983

1983-1999 — Betty Cheever serves as the first female Mayor of Downers Grove.

Cammi Granato wins Olympic gold medal

1998

1998 — Cammi Granato wins Olympic gold medal for women’s hockey in Nagano, Japan. Granato was the captain of the U.S. women’s hockey team that won a gold medal in the 1998 Winter Olympics. On February 8, 1998, she scored the first ever Olympic goal for the U.S women’s hockey team.

Population of Downers Grove Reaches 48,000

2000

2000 — The population of Downers Grove is 48,000.

1846 Blodgett House Moved