Gilbert Avenue & Gilbert Park
That’s an intriguing question! While the exact origins aren’t fully confirmed, it’s widely believed that Gilbert Avenue was named after Norman Gilbert, an early settler of Downers Grove. In 1844, Gilbert purchased 40 acres of land in the area now associated with his name. A deacon of the Downers Grove First Baptist Church, Gilbert married Emily Mabie in 1850, and the couple lived in Downers Grove with their two sons until his death in 1870. After his passing, Emily sold a portion of their land, which later developed into the residential neighborhood along Gilbert Avenue. The street is thought to have been named in his honor.
The land around Gilbert Avenue was once a popular picnic spot known for its natural springs and scenic grove. Today, Gilbert Avenue runs south of the Burlington Northern railroad tracks, beginning at Forest Avenue to the east, curving west around Gilbert Park, and then bending south into Cornell Avenue.
The avenue is home to several historic houses. Two have received special recognition:
- The Melchor Gjerde House at 1232 Gilbert Avenue is a designated Village of Downers Grove Landmarked Home.
- The George P Luce House at 1216 Gilbert Avenue is an honorary Centennial Home, a program sponsored by the Downers Grove Historical Society and The Downers Grove Museum.
Sadly, two houses, The Abraham Well House at 1151 Gilbert and The Rhoderic Dhu Parker House at 1131 Gilbert Avenue, recognized under the Centennial Home Program, were demolished in 2003 to make way for the Georgian Courts condominium community.
However, one Centennial Home from the 1100 block of Gilbert Avenue survives, though it has moved twice! Originally located at 1116 Gilbert, The J. Thomas Bunning House was relocated to 1123 Gilbert in 1954 and then moved again to 5307 Belmont Road in 2001. Remarkably, the original address numbers are still imprinted on the front porch post.
Gilbert Park, located near the western end of Gilbert Avenue, occupies the site of a former quarry adjacent to the Maple Grove Forest Preserve. The park was named after the street it borders and has been part of the Downers Grove Park District since 1948, when it was acquired from the Village of Downers Grove.
A highlight of the park is its beautiful limestone shelter, believed to have been constructed in 1941. In 1949, the Park District added a small restroom building to enhance the park’s amenities. A paved walking path runs through Gilbert Park, connecting to a wood-chip trail that leads into the Forest Preserve and to a pedestrian bridge spanning St. Joseph’s Creek.
The park’s proximity to the Forest Preserve and creek creates a charming, rustic setting, making it a favorite spot for visitors. For more information, visit: Gilbert Park.
