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The Historical Society has benefited greatly from our membership card sponsors over these last few years, and for that we are grateful. We truly do care about them, and when they face tragedy, we can’t help but face it with them. In that spirit, we are saddened to hear of the passing of the owner of HOF Cleaners, Chris Karras. For years he was an avid supporter of our membership card sponsor program, and he
As we enter the last few months of the year, it’s also time to renew our memberships. This year has been a tremendous year for our membership perks including early notification of events, discounts at local businesses, and much more. Next year we are sure to offer even more in the way of opportunities for our members so renew today! And if you have suggestions for new perks, do not hesitate to email us at
Thatcher Road on the west side of town is named after the Thatcher family. Samuel and Eldred Thatcher came to Downers Grove in the late 1830’s. Eldred spent his life working in village politics and also taking an ownership stake in Carpenter’s general store. Samuel on the other hand became one of the first music directors of First United Methodist Church which still stands on Maple Avenue, which also happens to be the Historic Site
The Downers Grove Historical Society reached a new milestone in September with the Historic Home Program approval of the Mergenthal Building at 1015 Maple Avenue. Constructed in 1881, it is the first primarily commercial property recognized through the Historic Home Program, although its second-floor apartment has been a home to several families over the years. The modest front-gable building has served Downers Grove for more than 140 years. Its first floor has housed a furniture
The Holmes’ Little Library with a Big Connection to Downers Grove History What happens when a love of books, architecture, history and road trips comes together with some impressive woodworking skills? For Downers Grove residents Peter and MaryKay Holmes, the result is a remarkable Little Free Library—a miniature recreation of Downers Grove’s original Carnegie Library. And the story behind it begins hundreds of miles from home. A Love of Libraries—and a New Travel Tradition Peter
Our village is now part of the Liberty Tree project a movement to have Liberty Trees planted all over America to celebrate the 250th birth of America. The Liberty Tree, a long-lost symbol of the American Revolution, has been planted in Wandschneider Park next to the Downers Grove Historical Museum on Maple Avenue. The story of the Liberty Tree dates back to 1646, when an elm tree was planted in Boston. By the 1760s, the
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
