Due to popular demand, we are hosting an encore presentation of The Mochel Family video.

Do you remember Mochel’s Hardware or have you ever wondered for whom “Mochel Drive” was named? Take a stroll through Downers Grove History from 1884-1996 through the eyes of John and Doris Mochel as they recount tales of growing up in Downers and of their iconic Mochel’s Hardware Store. This film, by Downers Grove filmmaker, Jim Toth, is packed with a treasure trove of private pictures from the Mochel Family Archives and depicts a life of hand pumping water at the kitchen sink, outhouses, coal bins and ice houses. Learn how John and Doris came together and built their future. Follow the lives of John’s grandfather, father and John, the three owners of this legendary Main Street hardware store-plus all the major events of each era: the Roaring ’20s, the Great Depression, World War II, the Zephyr crash and the Main Street fire. John, age 97, will be joining us in person for a Q&A session along with filmmaker Jim Toth. Downers Grove Historical Society members will then be able to stay for the 2024 Annual Meeting.

If you like history, you will love this event!

We hope you will join us.

Date:           Saturday, March 9, from 12:30 to 3:00pm
Location:  Alter Brewing Company, Barrel Room, 2300 Wisconsin Ave.
12:30pm:  Check in & Social Hour.
Complimentary Angelo’s Pizza will be served.
(Beer and soft drinks will be available for purchase)
1:00pm:   Program begins
1:45pm:    Q&A session ending at 2:00pm
2:00pm:   Intermission
2:15pm:    Annual Member Meeting ending at 3:00pm
New members may join before the film or during the intermission.
Members may attend just the Annual Meeting without watching the film. [Please RSVP by clicking on “Get Tickets Now” button below]
Price:       Free for DG Historical Society Members and $5 for non-members

Watch the Trailer: