Downers Grove in DuPage County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Fairview (East Grove) Station
Built 1916
| | A Downers Grove Historic Site | |
Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, April 22, 2025
1. Fairview (East Grove) Station Marker
The station was built on land settled in the 1850's by Victor Fredenhagen of Mecklenberg, Germany. He operated a large dairy farm and he was a state legislator in 1874 and also served as a supervisor of Downers Grove Township from 1871-1872 and 1874-1875. He was one of the first realtors in the area when he started selling some of the 1,200 acres he owned in the 1880's. To attract buyers he offered free rides on the Burlington and all the milk you could drink.
The first station building was replaced by this station in 1916. Designed by the engineering staff of the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad it was to portray the rural image that the turn-of-the-century suburban community wanted. Built of masonry construction at a cost of $3,300, it has 790 square feet and looks more like a cottage than a train station. It had a modest canopy on the track side that has been enlarged over the years and false shutters have been added.
After 100 years this station continues to serve the conimόnity.
Erected 2016 by the Downers Grove Historical Society.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Architecture • Immigration • Railroads & Streetcars. A significant historical year for this entry is 1916.
Location. 41° 47.728′ N, 87° 59.643′ W. Marker is in Downers Grove, Illinois, in DuPage County. It is on Fairview Avenue south of Burlington Avenue, on the right when traveling north. The marker is near the door into the Fairview Ave. station
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Greater Chicago. It is also in the American Midwest and on the Great Lakes. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture and also the Northwest Territory.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Whittier School (approx. 0.3 miles away); Welcome to the Downers Grove Park District Museum Campus (approx. 0.6 miles away); Charles Blodgett (approx. 0.6 miles away); 1892 Blodgett House (approx. 0.6 miles away); Indian Boundary / Carriage Step (approx. 0.6 miles away); 1832 Log Cabin Footprint (approx. 0.6 miles away); Underground Railroad (approx. 0.6 miles away); The Indian Boundary Line (approx. 0.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Downers Grove.
Also see . . .
1. Downers Grove Historical Society: Fairview Train Station.
Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, April 22, 2025
2. Fairview Ave. Station
The marker is near the door facing the train tracks.
Excerpt: "Towards the end of the 19th century, shifting immigration patterns were reflected in Downers Grove with the construction of St. Mary of Gostyn Catholic Church founded by settlers from Gostyn, Poland in 1891. For the dedication, two twelve-car trains brought Catholics from Chicago who marched behind a band to the church north on Fairview. The stations high gambrel roof over the station masters quarters in the second floor, canopy on the track side, and masonry construction was meant to convey a rural image of the town by making the station resemble a cottage. This was in keeping with the communitys image as a healthy alternative from city life. Small weekend-getaway vacation cottages were for sale as an escape for those wishing to enjoy parks and trees."(Submitted on April 23, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.)
2. Metra: Fairview Avenue. (Submitted on April 23, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.)
Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, April 22, 2025
3. Fairview Ave. Station
Credits. This page was last revised on April 23, 2025. It was originally submitted on April 23, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois. This page has been viewed 190 times since then and 34 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on April 23, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.
