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Congratulations to the winners of our third annual Downtown Downers Grove Architectural Scavenger Hunt. They are: Kristina Vesic Daniel Krzeczkowski Joe Turek Scott Sejnost Answers! Week One answers Week Two answers Week Three answers Week Four answers Special Thanks! We are especially grateful to Eric Schmitt and Orange & Brew for his/its help in promoting and administering the Hunt!
The Downers Grove Historical Society is pleased to announce the addition of two remarkable residences to its Historic Homes Program: the Charles D. Faulkner, Jr. House at 1247 Hawthorne Lane and the Carl and Janet Kjeldsen House at 1101 Maple Avenue. Though separated by nearly sixty years in age and representing very different architectural styles, both homes tell important stories about Downers Grove’s history, architecture, and community life. Built between 1951 and 1952, the Charles
Residents lined Main Street on Memorial Day as the community came together to honor the men and women who gave their lives while serving in the United States Armed Forces. The annual Downers Grove Memorial Day Parade made its way to Fishel Park, where veterans, civic leaders, families, and local residents gathered for a remembrance ceremony. The event served as both a tribute to fallen service members and a reminder of the freedoms secured through
Have you taken a good look around as you walk through Main Street Cemetery lately? Visitors may notice several newly planted shrubs adding beauty to this historic resting place in the heart of Downers Grove. This spring, the Village planted three new Sweetbay Magnolias and three Eastern Redbuds to enhance the landscape and help preserve the welcoming character of the cemetery. The Garden Club of Downers Grove has also been hard at work beautifying the grounds. Be
The Downers Grove American Legion and VFW Posts honored World War II veteran and businessman John Mochel with a color guard on May 16th to celebrate his 100th birthday. John is best known as the former owner of the Mochel Hardware Store, which his grandfather, Charles Mochel, opened in 1884 with his partner Levi Mertz. Charles handed the Mertz & Mochel Hardware down to his son John Sr., who became the sole proprietor, renaming it
As Memorial Day approaches, communities across America prepare to honor the men and women who gave their lives to the nation in military service. In Downers Grove, one meaningful place to pause and reflect is a monument located on Maple Avenue in Memorial Park beside the Maple Grove Forest Preserve. There, a simple rock memorial honors 43 Downers Grove men who never returned home after serving their country during World War II. Their names, permanently
Founders Fest 2026 was a wonderful week of events celebrating Downers Grove history and its preservation. The first event was the Pine Hollow Golf Tournament. The Downers Grove Historical Society collaborated with the Belmont Golf Club, founded in 1892. The 47th annual Pine Hollow Open featured a 9-hole stroke play event. “The Longest Drive Contest”—”In Memory of Dave Eckdahl”—was won by Melissa Eckdahl, who is the daughter of Dave Eckdahl. Tivoli was the second theater
An Exciting and Memorable Evening Celebrating History and Innovation An unforgettable evening of history, storytelling, and hometown pride unfolded at the Tivoli Theatre as the Downers Grove Historical Society welcomed an enthusiastic audience for a special celebration of the community’s past—and one of its most influential innovators. The evening opened with a lively organ performance by David Rhodes, setting the tone and reminding guests of the Tivoli’s rich tradition as a movie palace and gathering place. Guests were then
The Downers Grove Historical Society and the Downers Grove. Museum are pleased to announce the recognition of the historic home at 4926 Saratoga Avenue as part of its Historic Home Recognition Program. Built in 1891, this well-preserved residence reflects the early growth and architectural character of Downers Grove. The home was constructed for Edward and Mary Bentley on land that was part of E.H. Prince and Company’s Addition, a subdivision recorded in 1890 during a period
The Historical Society has named Nathan Alonzo Belden as the 2026 Founder of the Year. Belden will be recognized at a special ceremony at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 2, 2026, at Main Street Cemetery, where his legacy will be honored at his graveside. A chance encounter with Pierce Downer changed everything—leading blacksmith Nathan Alonzo Belden to put down roots in a young settlement and help shape the future of Downers Grove. Please join us
