On West Army Trail Boulevard at John F. Kennedy Drive on West Army Trail Boulevard.
This road followed an Indian trail that began in Chicago and went through DuPage, Kane, De Kalb, Boone, and Winnebago Counties to a Winnebago Village at Beloit, Wisconsin. In August, 1832, during the Black Hawk War, United States Army reinforcements . . . — — Map (db m47438) HM
This memorial was constructed using the cornerstone, bricks, doorframe, and windowsills from the former Kinderheim building.
Originally, the building served as a Lutheran foster home for children, from the time it was built in 1925, until 1960. . . . — — Map (db m47431) HM
This monument, made from window sills and steps from the seminary, was erected in 1924 by grateful alumni.
The seminary was relocated in 1913 to River Forest, Illinois, and is now named Concordia College.
Matt 28:19 Go ye and teach all . . . — — Map (db m261804) HM
On May Street at West Army Trail Boulevard on May Street.
Site of the first building of St. Paul Lutheran School which served as school and teacherage, home, and youth center (1849-1974). Henry Bartling, first teacher (1849-1891) also served as Addison postmaster for over 50 years. — — Map (db m47429) HM
On West Lake Street at West Army Trail Boulevard on West Lake Street.
Addisons Village Green, a popular site for concerts and other events, has seem three different gazebos constructed at this site.
The first, dedicated in 1965, was built in Rome, Italy in 1873 and then brought to Addison by Joseph Incandella. It . . . — — Map (db m47432) HM
On West Lake Street (Illinois Route 26) near North Addison Road.
This monument is in the shape of a five-pointed star when viewed from above. On each arm of the star is an emblem of the one of the five military services; Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and Coast Guard. Between each arm is the . . . — — Map (db m47440) HM
On Spaulding Road at Rose Lane, on the right when traveling east on Spaulding Road.
Spaulding School was a small country school house built on the land of pioneer farmer Shepard Spaulding located within Hanover Township (41N 009 E SW1/4 of Section 29) sometime around 1886. The land was part of 160 acres purchased under a land . . . — — Map (db m283826) HM
On Church Road 0.1 miles south of Irving Park Road ( Route 19).
This row of trees has been dedicated to the men and women of this community who have served in the armed forces of our country in World War II. — — Map (db m259764) WM
On West Jefferson Street west of South York Road, on the right when traveling east.
This memorial commemorating the 343 firefighters and paramedics that sacrificed their lived on September 11, 2001 was made possible by Rogallo Cambio & Son Landscaping, Inc. and D. David Wold,
DDS. We are deeply honored by this gracious donation . . . — — Map (db m250783) WM
On West Jefferson Street west of South York Road, on the right when traveling east.
This "Bensenville Memorial Fountain" is dedicated on this eleventh day of September, 2002 to all the fire fighters, police officers, EMS personnel, first responders and civilians throughout the world who perish every day in the act of helping others . . . — — Map (db m250793) HM
On South Church Road 0.1 miles north of 2nd Avenue, on the right when traveling north.
The land that makes up Breiter-Palm Park may have been a prairie, wetland or an oak savanna before it was the Greenhouse on Church, owned and operated by Herman Breiter and Willard Palm (brothers) in 1936. The fresh-cut flowers business and property . . . — — Map (db m250857) HM
Survival Through Fire
Ecologists manage prairies and savannas with fire. When prairie plants die back at the end of season, they create a thick matt of dry plant material on the ground. Ecologist use fire through controlled burns to remove . . . — — Map (db m250868) HM
On South Church Road 0.1 miles north of 2nd Avenue.
This six-sided peace pole was designed and completed by Joseph Keehn as an Eagle Scout project and donated to the Bensenville Park District for installation at Breiter-Palm Park. The pole was installed in October 2006 and dedicated April 22, . . . — — Map (db m250862) HM
On South Church Road 0.1 miles north of 2nd Avenue.
Ephemeral Wetland Prairie
The park's center is an ephemeral wetland prairie. That means that it is a wetland only during the wet season. Plants that grow here are adapted to the seasonality of the moisture level in the soil.
Dry . . . — — Map (db m250866) HM
On South Church Road 0.3 miles north of West Grand Avenue.
Built on this site circa 1846 in School District #3 of Addison Township and served students from Elmhurst, Bensenville, and Addison Township until 1930
Placed on National Register of Historic Places, February 1999 — — Map (db m250795) HM
On Edgewater Drive at Cunningham Lane on Edgewater Drive.
The first settlement in Bloomingdale was made by three brothers: Silas, Lyman and Harvey Meacham, who arrived on the land then owned by Erasmus O. Hills in March, 1833. The settlement was located just south of two small groves, then known as . . . — — Map (db m282558) HM
On Edgewater Drive near Cunningham Lane, on the right when traveling west.
Less than a half-mile from this windmill is where Henry Holstein and his wife Louisa settled in Bloomingdale from Germany in the 1850s. Purchasing farmland near the southwest corner of Bloomingdale Road and Schick Road, they built a windmill for . . . — — Map (db m282669) HM
On Army Trail Road (County Route 11) 0.2 miles east of Glen Ellyn Road (County Route 5), on the right when traveling east.
Did you know that Holodomor is the Stalin enforced genocide in Ukraine that murdered 10 million souls by starvation in 19321933? — — Map (db m292523) HM
The serpentine flow of the labyrinth symbolizes the energy all around us. The process of moving through the pathway unwinds this stored energy and gives us access to it.
Labyrinths have always been associated with self-discovery and used for . . . — — Map (db m282672) HM
On Circle Avenue near Spring Valley Drive, on the right when traveling south.
The land in front of you was once a mound of construction debris piled next to a barren pit, but in the 1990s the Forest Preserve District began to transform it into a scenic hillside and the 32-acre Maple Lake.
Today, the lake not only holds . . . — — Map (db m303049) HM
Bruno F. Shustek
Sept 10, 1899 - July 6, 1930
Shustek Pond
In honor of Bruno F. Shustek, who gave his life attempting a daring midair rescue of parachutist Mary Fahrney, just northwest of this site, on July 6, 1930.
This pond was . . . — — Map (db m119952) HM
On County Line Road at 77th Street, on the left on County Line Road.
[The circular memorial includes five stones with quotes:]
Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe, to assure the survival and . . . — — Map (db m267612) WM
On North Prospect Avenue at Burlington Avenue on North Prospect Avenue.
★Paul Ederle ★Frank Kobal ★Danny J. Frydle ★William E. Washburn ★William J. Kipp ★Robert Young
Cliff Rarchbold, Jr. Robert G. Archbold Richard H. Behnke Donald Bendel Victor Bendel Donald . . . — — Map (db m268512) WM
On Western Avenue south of 56th Street, on the left when traveling north.
Named in honor of Jerry and Bessie Kruml who lived on this site from 1956 until 2005.
They would be delighted to know that it has been preserved for your enjoyment. — — Map (db m271013) HM
On Plainfield Road (County Route 31) 0.1 miles west of Clarendon Hills Road, on the right when traveling east.
[The memorial features a beam from the World Trade Center at the center of a square garden near next to the Tri-State Fire Protection District headquarters. The edge of the garden is etched with what appear to be the sponsors of this memorial. . . . — — Map (db m312830) HM
On 71st Street west of Clarendon Hills Road, on the right when traveling east.
Peace Memorial
Dedicated to those who served
To preserve our democratic way of life
They pass the touch
The symbol of liberty
To you who follow
To guard and protect — — Map (db m271021) WM
On Cass Avenue (County Route 15) at 75th Street (County Route 33) on Cass Avenue.
Historical Center of Darien
Incorporated Dec. 13, 1969
Dedicated as the center of Darien by the Darien Historical Society July 4, 1992 — — Map (db m312991) HM
On Maple Avenue east of Lyman Avenue, on the right when traveling east.
Originally from Massachusetts, Israel Blodgett came to Illinois in 1832, settling near Naperville, the same year that Pierce Downer settled in what is now Downers Grove. Israel then sent for his wife, Avis, and their children. The family soon moved . . . — — Map (db m270650) HM
In 1846, when James K. Polk was President of the United States, the Blodgett family built a house to replace their log cabin. Common features of this Greek Revival architectural style include a gabled roof, wide trim, large windows and doors, and a . . . — — Map (db m270851) HM
On Maple Avenue east of Lyman Avenue, on the right when traveling east.
In 1892, Charles Blodgett, the youngest son of Israel and Avis Blodgett, moved his parent's home to the rear of his property and built a modern home for his family. This house was typical of other houses built during the Victorian Era featuring a . . . — — Map (db m270854) HM
On Cross Street 0.1 miles north of Haddow Avenue, on the right when traveling south.
This natural area has been formally dedicated as a sanctuary for native vegetation and wildlife. It is maintained in its natural condition so that present and future generations can see the Illinois landscape as it appeared to pioneers. This living . . . — — Map (db m270178) HM
On 55th Street (County Route 35) east of Fairmount Avenue.
Named in Honor of Officer Richard J. Barth #11
Downers Grove Police Department
Officer Barth was killed in the line of duty on March 18, 1974. He made the ultimate sacrifice in serving the citizens of our community. Officer Barth enjoyed . . . — — Map (db m304619) HM
On Cross Street 0.1 miles north of Haddow Avenue, on the right.
On August 24, 1980 this piece of an original Illinois tall grass prairie was formally dedicated as a State of Illinois Nature Preserve. The dedication ceremony was presided over by Downers Grove Park District members, prairie managers Alfred and . . . — — Map (db m270172) HM
On Maple Avenue east of Lyman Avenue, on the right when traveling east.
Charles Blodgett, the youngest son of Israel and Avis Blodgett, was a business man involved with real estate, farming and politics. He served as Village Trustee for 18 years, School Board Member for 25 years and DuPage County Supervisor for 35 . . . — — Map (db m270863) HM
On Seeley Avenue north of Grant Street, on the right when traveling south.
Pierce Downer, who arrived in 1832, was the village's first settler. This well, across from the Downer home, is one of two shallow wells he dug on his property. One well was for people, and one well was for livestock. Because of its proximity to the . . . — — Map (db m301773) HM
In honor of the citizens of Downers Grove buried here and elsewhere who served in the Civil War (1861-1865)
Buried Here at Main Street Cemetery
William H. Attwood, 156th Illinois Infantry, Co. D Isrel L. Blackburn, 124th US Colored . . . — — Map (db m269222) HM WM
On Fairview Avenue south of Burlington Avenue, on the right when traveling north.
In 1864 the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad started passenger service from Aurora to Chicago. By 1884 there were 20 stations on the fine. The first station building at East Grove now called Fairview was built about 1890 and was of frame . . . — — Map (db m271009) HM
On Curtiss Street at Main Street, on the left when traveling east on Curtiss Street.
The Farmer's and Merchant's Bank Building was built in 1892 for the first bank in Downers Grove. The bank was organized on May 10, 1892. The officers of the bank included Charles Curtiss, President, W.A. Tope, M.D., Vice President, and W.H. Edwards, . . . — — Map (db m60037) HM
On Maple Avenue east of Lyman Avenue, on the right when traveling east.
Indian Boundary
Originally, Maple Avenue was a Native American trail. In 1816, this trail was the first sale of land in Northern Illinois from the local Native American tribes to the United States Government and created a 10-mile corridor of . . . — — Map (db m270624) HM
On Maple Avenue east of Lyman Avenue, on the right when traveling east.
Israel and Avis Blodgett moved to Downers Grove in 1836. Israel Porter Blodgett, Sr. operated a blacksmith shop, and is credited with developing the self-scouring plow used to turn the Illinois prairie.
Israel & Avis Blodgett were against . . . — — Map (db m270857) HM
Near Main Street north of Grove Street, on the right when traveling south.
Son of John P. and Mary C. Cotes
Born 1836
Pvt Comp B, 105th Ill Vol Inf
Civil War
Died at Murphysboro, Tenn.
July 25, 1863
Age 26 yrs — — Map (db m270615) HM WM
On Glenview Avenue near Howard Avenue, on the right when traveling north.
First woman elected to the Illinois General Assembly
"Not until our own time was the phrase 'We the People'
changed to include women."
-First Inaugural Address
January 4, 1923
Lottie Holman O'Neill was born on November 17, 1878, in . . . — — Map (db m270339) HM
On Main Street 0.1 miles south of Curtiss Street, on the right when traveling south.
In 1856, Samuel Curtiss donated part of his sheep pasture for use as a cemetery. He was later paid $15 for the land, money from individuals who formed a cemetery association in 1864. Nearly 100 members of Downers Grove's early families, including . . . — — Map (db m60038) HM
In the early days this was the entrance to the cemetery since the original Main Street was one block west of present day Main Street. For this reason, as you will note, most of the inscriptions on the gravestones are facing west.
As a result of . . . — — Map (db m60039) HM
On Curtiss Street at Washington Street, on the right when traveling east on Curtiss Street.
Architects Fugard & Knapp designed this temple in 1924 for Grove Lodge No. 824, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons. The Lodge was chartered October 4, 1893. Charter members included E.E. Downer, G.E. Downer, M.B. Downer, T.S. Rogers, Charles Mochel, . . . — — Map (db m60036) HM
On Maple Avenue (County Route 17) 0.2 miles west of Dunham Avenue, on the left when traveling east.
Dedicated by the people of Downers Grove
May 29, 1949
In honor of those who gave their lives for peace and freedom
World War II, 1941-1947
Andres, Harold J. Beggs, Harry W. Bruce, Edward A. Campbell, Clifford R. Bichorst, Carl W. . . . — — Map (db m270470) WM
On Main Street north of Curtiss Street, on the right when traveling south.
Levi Mertz and Charles Mochel constructed the original building at 36 S Main (later renumbered 5122 Main Street), where the 2 partners opened their business, Mertz & Mochel, on June 25, 1884. The building consisted of a basement and 2 . . . — — Map (db m271917) HM
Each fall, hundreds of millions of monarch butterflies migrate from the United States and Canada to overwintering areas in California and Mexico where they wait out the winter until conditions favor a return flight in the spring. The monarch . . . — — Map (db m270268) HM
On 55th Street (County Route 35) south of Blodgett Avenue, on the right when traveling east.
Each fall, hundreds of millions of monarch butterflies migrate from the United States and Canada to overwintering areas in California and Mexico where they wait out the winter until conditions favor a return flight in the spring. The monarch . . . — — Map (db m304621) HM
On Warren Avenue near Forest Avenue, on the right when traveling west.
This plaque marks the original site of
Grant E. Dicke Firehouse #1
1928-1975
and honors the valiant firefighters who have served the community.
Chief John P. Wander — — Map (db m271915) HM
On Linscott Avenue 0.1 miles south of Grant Street, on the right when traveling south.
Pierce Downer and his wife, Lucy, died a day apart in March of 1863 and were buried side by side in the grove on the hill at 4524 Linscott. — — Map (db m271838) HM
On Linscott Avenue 0.1 miles south of Grant Street, on the right when traveling south.
On this spot in May, 1833
Pierce Downer
the first white settler of this village pitched his tent and spent the night. Thirty years later he was buried here on his own farm. — — Map (db m271906) HM
Near Franklin Street east of Linscott Avenue, on the right when traveling east.
Formerly called Grove Lake, Prince Pond is one of the oldest recreation areas in Downers Grove. E.H. Prince, who developed the area in the 1890s, improved the pond (calling it "our beautiful lake" in ads) and used it as a sales tool to successfully . . . — — Map (db m271914) HM
On Main Street near Grove Street, on the right when traveling south.
Born in Connecticut in 1789
Died in Downers Grove in 1867
Resident of Downers Grove since 1836
Samuel Curtiss was a volunteer in the War of 1812 and used his script to purchase land here. The Main Street Cemetery is located on part of his . . . — — Map (db m270479) HM
On Main Street north of Grove Street, on the right when traveling south.
Son of Austin and Angeline Richards
Born in New York 1842
Pvt Comp D, 105th Ill Vol Inf
Civil War
Died at South Tunnel, Tenn.
January 28, 1862
Age 20 years — — Map (db m270621) HM WM
On Highland Avenue (County Route 9) north of 39th Street, on the left when traveling south.
A century ago, Illinois was dominated by native prairie with areas of Oak woodlands and rich wetland habitats. A diverse community of plants and wildlife thrived within these areas. As the land was converted into farms and communities were . . . — — Map (db m304586) HM
On Linscott Avenue 0.1 miles south of Grant Street.
History of the Burial Ground
Located on a small piece of ground that was once part of the land owned by Pierce Downer, the founder of Downers Grove, is the Downer Cemetery. This place is said to be the spot where Downer camped the first night . . . — — Map (db m271843) HM
On Maple Avenue at Belden Avenue, on the right when traveling east on Maple Avenue.
Immediately north of this marker runs the Indian Boundary Line which was established on Aug 24, 1816 by a treaty between three U.S. commissioners and the Chippewa, Ottawa and Potawotami Indians to provide a corridor between Lake Michigan and the . . . — — Map (db m60035) HM
On Maple Avenue east of Lyman Avenue, on the right when traveling east.
Built in 1846, this home of Israel and Avis Blodgett is believed to have been an active stop on the Underground Railroad with Israel as a Conductor. Having settled in Downers Grove in 1836, the family was very active in the Abolitionist Movement and . . . — — Map (db m301771) HM
Near Main Street north of Grove Street, on the left.
As early as the 1830's slaves made their way to freedom crossing through Illinois on their way north to Canada. They traveled on the Underground Railroad. Downers Grove historians Montrew Dunham and Pauline Wandschneider tell us "The Underground . . . — — Map (db m270475) HM
On Maple Avenue east of Lyman Avenue, on the right when traveling east.
The Underground Railroad was not the railroad that exists today in Downers Grove. Instead it was an informal and secret network of meeting points, transportation routes and safe houses coordinated by a group of people called abolitionists, who were . . . — — Map (db m270856) HM
On Cross Street 0.1 miles north of Haddow Avenue, on the right when traveling south.
Belmont Prairie was just a field where the neighborhood kids played until it was "discovered" in the 1970s. A nearby neighbor turned in a photography assignment that caused his instructors to ask where he took the shots. Botanists and ecological . . . — — Map (db m270267) HM
On Maple Avenue near Lyman Avenue, on the right when traveling east.
Downers Grove began as a farming community in the 1830s. Downers Grove settlers enjoyed peaceful relationships with the local Potawatomi tribe even though the Black Hawk War was occuring in 1832. During this time Maple Avenue was the Village's main . . . — — Map (db m270861) HM
On Main Street north of Grove Street, on the right when traveling south.
Pierce Downer, the founder of Downers Grove, is not buried in the Main Street Cemetery. He and his wife Lucy Ann (Wilson) are buried in the family plot located on the original Downer homestead. The Downers did own a plot in the Main Street Cemetery. . . . — — Map (db m270478) HM
Whittier School opened to 114 children on September 3, 1929. It was the second Downers Grove School built south of the railroad tracks. Named for the well known poet John Greenleaf Whittier, this school has proudly educated children for 80 years. . . . — — Map (db m304618) HM
On Saratoga Avenue 0.2 miles north of 41st Street, on the left when traveling north.
In memory to those who made the supreme sacrifice in the World War
19171919
J. Bryan A. Burns H. Buschman L. Dexter J. Malek H. McAllister J. Pozdol M. Statton — — Map (db m269227) WM
On Warren Avenue west of Forest Avenue, on the right.
After fires broke out at the Dicke Tool Company in 1903 and 1911, the Dicke family became interested in improving the fire department. In July of 1927 a special bond issue was passed to provide $20,000 to build a fire station. On October 24, 1927, a . . . — — Map (db m271916) HM
On Maple Avenue east of Lyman Avenue, on the right when traveling east.
Although the Blodgetts were not primarily farmers, they would have grown a portion of their food. The Blodgetts planted, harvested and stored a variety of fruits, vegetables and herbs for cooking, treating illnesses and trading with their neighbors. . . . — — Map (db m301772) HM
This two part commercial building with a store below and office space above is one of the 19th century buildings that still represents the look of old Main Street. The building with Victorian pressed brick on the front and face brick on the sides is . . . — — Map (db m271918) HM
On 31st Street (County Route 34) 0.2 miles west of Highland Avenue.
We decided to model positive environmental practices at the Lyman Woods Interpretive Center long ago. In fact, it began in the drawing room when this building was designed. The roof is actually planted (called a "green roof") to improve air quality, . . . — — Map (db m267395) HM
Near 31st Street (County Route 34) near Highland Avenue, on the right when traveling east.
As settlers arrived in this country, farmland and urban areas often replaced native ecosystems. The importance of protecting these systems was often overlooked. Land management professionals have learned a lot in the past few decades. We have come . . . — — Map (db m267394) HM
On East Park Avenue west of Robert T. Palmer Drive.
From the "old swimming hole" once located in Salt Creek in Graue's Woods
Preserved by the Elmhurst Historical Commission to remind us of the simple joys of the early 1900's — — Map (db m256208) HM
On York Street at South Street, on the right when traveling north on York Street.
This fountain is given by Elmhurst citizens and organizations so that this and future generations may share his beauty and tranquility and be reminded of our national heritage. — — Map (db m236994) WM
On 1st Street west of York Street, on the right when traveling east.
On December 6, 1871, Inspector Carl F. Kranz and fourteen students arrived at this train stop from Evansville, Indiana, in order to establish an institution of learning which eventually became Elmhurst College. We commemorate this event with this . . . — — Map (db m284278) HM
Near South Street south of York Street, on the left when traveling west.
This depot served the Chicago Great Western Railway from its founding, as the Minnesota & Northwestern Railway in 1887, until service was discontinued in 1968. The CGW primarily transported freight, with some commuter service. In 1971 the Elmhurst . . . — — Map (db m237001) HM
On Cottage Hill Avenue west of Adelaide Street, on the right when traveling south.
Cowboy Dream celebrates the legacy and achievements of Black cowboys that shaped the American West after Reconstruction- a narrative often overlooked in American history and entertainment.
Following the Civil War, many Black Americans . . . — — Map (db m292508) HM
Near South Prospect Avenue 0.1 miles north of Church Street, on the left when traveling north.
In appreciation of over 44 years of faithful service and dedication to Elmhurst College
Dr. Frank Mittermeyer
Professor of biology, department chair and founder of the Center for Health Professions.
May 2013
Quercus macrocarpa . . . — — Map (db m257438) HM
This garden was named in honor of the enduring friendship between Elizabeth Wadham, an early inhabitant of the Wilder Park Mansion, and her neighbor to the southeast, Elizabeth Case. Mrs. Wadham had a special path cut through the grounds of the . . . — — Map (db m256959) HM
"In 1842 Gerry Bates arrived from Ohio and staked claim to a treeless tract of land in what became the center of Elmhurst, the land along Salt Creek already having been occupied."
"Elmhurst," Margaret Franson Pruter in . . . — — Map (db m264763) HM
On South Prospect Avenue north of Church Street, on the right when traveling south.
Elmhurst College was founded in 1871 as an educational institution of the German Evangelical Synod of North America.
On October 17 1970, during the centennial homecoming, the national alumni association dedicated this marker to honor Elmhurst . . . — — Map (db m256923) HM
Near Park Avenue west of Robert T. Palmer Drive, on the right when traveling east.
A.D. 1941
This Elmhurst Municipal Building
was given to the city under terms of the wills of
Lucy M. Glos
and
Henry L. Glos
First president of the Village of Elmhurst, 1882-1887, 1888-1902
It is only fitting that . . . — — Map (db m256207) HM
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