This March, as we celebrate Women’s History Month, which celebrates the contributions women have made to American history, culture, and society, we honor seven remarkable women whose lives helped shape the history, character, and civic spirit of Downers Grove. Spanning nearly two centuries—from pioneer days to modern times—these women were educators, reformers, artists, legislators, writers, and community builders. These seven women were recently highlighted at the February 2026 Annual Meeting of the Downers Grove Historical Society, where Lois Sterba, local historian and DG Historical Society Board Member, shared their stories as part of the Society’s ongoing commitment to preserving and celebrating local history.
Avis Dodge Blodgett (1796–1882) 
arrived in Downers Grove just four years after its founder, Pierce Downer. A pioneer wife and mother of eight, she endured the hardships of frontier life in a one-room log cabin while helping to educate her children, assist neighbors, and support freedom seekers traveling the Underground Railroad. The Blodgett home was later recognized by the National Park Service Network to Freedom. Her courage and convictions left a lasting mark on the community.
Mary Stewart Burns (1857–1917) was remembered as “Mother to All.” After marriage rules forced her from the classroom, she became the first woman elected to the Downers Grove School Board, serving four terms. She helped secure funding for the village’s 1915 Carnegie library and was active in both the local Women’s Club and the Daughters of the American Revolution. Her devotion to children and education shaped generations.
Lottie Holman O’Neill (1878–1967) 
brought Downers Grove to the Illinois State Capitol. Elected in 1922, she served 13 terms in the Illinois House and three in the State Senate, advocating for women’s rights, child welfare, and fair labor laws. Known as the “Conscience of the Senate,” she was later honored with a statue in the Illinois State Capitol—a lasting tribute to her groundbreaking public service.
Lucile Bush (1898–1999)
was a descendant of one of Downers Grove’s earliest families and dedicated her life to education and service. After studying at Columbia University, she worked for three decades at Hull House in Chicago. She later helped found the local chapter of the American Association of University Women and was an early member of the Downers Grove Historical Society, preserving the very history we celebrate today.
Minnie Jones Prince (1866–1946) 
was a civic leader, School Board member, organizer of the local PTA, and active member of the League of Women Voters and Women’s Club. An accomplished artist, she also helped lead the Downers Grove Artists’ Guild. Her leadership demonstrated that community involvement could take many forms—educational, political, cultural, and spiritual.
Lilly Karlson Tholin (1894–1969) combined civic service with a passion for gardening. A School Board member and leader in the Garden Club, she organized thousands of lilac bouquets for Chicago hospitals through the Chicago Tribune’s “Lilac Shower.” Her efforts brought beauty and comfort to countless patients and helped establish Downers Grove’s strong gardening traditions.
Jessica North MacDonald (1891–1988)
was a poet, novelist, and longtime editor of Poetry magazine and the Art Institute of Chicago Bulletin. Though the sister of author Sterling North, she built her own literary legacy and later became a charter member of the local P.E.O. Sisterhood chapter, supporting women’s education for generations to come.
Together, these seven women—pioneers, educators, reformers, artists, and leaders—helped build the foundation of Downers Grove. During Women’s History Month, we celebrate their courage, compassion, and commitment to community. Their lives continue to inspire us and remind us that Downers Grove history is rich with extraordinary women.