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The Downers Grove Historical Society was proud to celebrate America’s birthday by taking part in the Downers Grove Independence Day Parade! It was a joy to share our love of Downers Grove’s history with the enthusiastic parade-goers. Thank you to everyone who cheered, waved, and celebrated with us along the route. We’d love to have you join in the fun with us next year! History comes alive in traditions like our Fourth of July parade
The Grand Union Flag, the first to represent all the 13 colonies in the Revolutionary War, was accepted officially by George Washington on January 2, 1776. The 13 red and white stripes represented the colonies, the British Union Jack, with the crosses of St. George and St. Andrew represented a continued loyalty to Britain for the colonists were not yet planning complete independence. When total independence was declared by the Declaration Of Independence on July
Spring has brought to Downers Grove four new homes recognized as honorary by the Historic Homes Program. Maintaining the recent pace of about one home per month, the new homes in the program this quarter include: The Bentley House at 4926 Saratoga Avenue, The Charles D. Faulkner, Jr. House, at 1247 Hawthorne Lane, The Carl and Janet Kjeldsen House at 1101 Maple Avenue, and The John A Hunyar House at 5406 Carpenter Street. These homes
From humble beginnings in log cabins to its beautiful 1928 sanctuary, First United Methodist Church has been part of Downers Grove’s story since 1836. The congregation first gathered in log cabins, then in a Maple Avenue schoolhouse before building its first church on land donated by Henry Carpenter in the 1850s. Today, the Downers Grove Historical Society is proud to recognize this enduring landmark as its 2026 Historic Site of the Year. We’ll be presenting
Three Revolutionary Figures Honored by Downers Grove Street Names As Americans celebrate the 250th birthday of the United States in 2026, we’d like to look at three familiar Downers Grove street names that honor some of the most influential figures of the Revolutionary era: Washington Street, Franklin Street, and Jefferson Street which honor three of the most influential leaders of the American Revolution and the founding of the United States. Washington Street Washington Street is
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
