If anyone could be called the official photographer of Downers Grove’s history, it should be Edward Bunting. Using his camera, he had spent many years documenting the history of Downers Grove.
Ed Bunting, born in 1935, came to Downers Grove in 1938 as a small boy. His father, Ed Bunting Sr., worked for Dickie Motors. Ed Jr. attended Downers Grove High School, where he was a member of the camera club. But his interest in cameras began when he received his first camera at age 6. This interest in cameras would continue for many years and be part of many of the jobs Ed had.
In 1952, he joined the Naval Reserve as a photographer’s mate. After spending a few years in Taiwan, he returned to Downers Grove. He began a 36-year career with Nicor Gas as an investigative photographer, documenting many aspects of the gas company’s operations across several states. Ed served as a paid-on-call firefighter for the Downers Grove Fire Department and soon became an investigative photographer for the department. He held that position for 24 years and was honored as one of the few to receive the degree of Master Fire Photographer from the International Fire Photographers Association. Ed also found time to serve on the Downers Grove Community Events Commission for 12 years and the community grants commission for 2 years. Ed designed the logo for the original Heritage Festival.
Interested in history, Ed served as a board member of the Downers Grove Historical Society for 32 years, including time as president. He was considered the society’s official photographer, as he took many photos of Downers Grove that were used in the two Downers Grove history books, Downers Grove 1832-1982 and Downers Grove Revisited. When the Downers Grove Museum sponsored the 10th Illinois Civil War Regiment reenactors group, Ed joined and brought his photographic talent to the group. He also joined a World War Two reenactors group. His love of history was the reason he started collecting pictures of Abraham Lincoln. He organized a program and presented it to many groups. During his free time, Ed even served as a crossing guard at El Sierra School in Downers Grove. Now retired to Wilmington, Illinois, he is still active with their historical society.
The many photos Ed has taken of Downers Grove provide a rich and wonderful documented history of our village. His efforts with his camera and his years of dedication to the Downers Grove Historical Society earned him the title of Downers Grove Historian of the Year for 2022.
