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Event
The Mochel Family Video
February
17,
2024
12:30 pm — 2:00 pm
Alter Brewing Company – Barrel Room
2300 Wisconsin Ave, Downers Grove
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 the 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, outhouse, coal bins and ice houses. 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, who turns 98 in May, will be joining us in person to participate in a Q&A session along with filmmaker Jim Toth. If you like history, you will love this event!
Hope you will join us.
Date: Saturday, February 17, from 12:30 to 2:00pm
Location: Alter Brewing Company, Barrel Room, 2300 Wisconsin Ave.
12:30pm: Check in & Social Hour. Dan’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.
Free for DG Historical Society Members and $5 for non-members.
Watch the Trailer:
Members' Cost:
0 [Free!]
Non-Members:
$5.00
Important note:
You can pay for tickets using your personal credit card. When checking out in Yapsody, simply select the “Credit Card” option [immediately below the “PayPal” option].
Sold Out!
This event is presented by:
The Downers Grove Historical Society
info@downersgrovehistory.org
(630) 481-6164
Become a DG Historical Society member now and receive early notice of select Society events and exclusive discounts at local merchants!
Location:
Other Upcoming Society Events:
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25
FoundersFest 2026!
Apr
25
2026 Pine Hollow Open Golf Tournament
Apr
29
Night at the Tivoli & Documentary Premiere
May
02
2026 Founder of the Year: Nathan Alonzo Belden
May
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Community Events:
Want more upcoming event info?
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 the 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, outhouse, coal bins and ice houses. 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, who turns 98 in May, will be joining us in person to participate in a Q&A session along with filmmaker Jim Toth. If you like history, you will love this event!
Hope you will join us.
Date: Saturday, February 17, from 12:30 to 2:00pm
Location: Alter Brewing Company, Barrel Room, 2300 Wisconsin Ave.
12:30pm: Check in & Social Hour. Dan’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.
Free for DG Historical Society Members and $5 for non-members.