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Downers Grove is located in northeastern Illinois in DuPage County about 20 miles west of Chicago and 15 miles east of Naperville. It offers easy accessibility to all major attractions, museums and shopping opportunities throughout the Chicagoland area. The population estimate for July 1, 1998 was 51,716.
Downers Grove is named for landowner, Pierce Downer who came to the area in 1832. Originally from New York State, Downer relocated to Illinois to join his son who was already in the area working as a stonemason. The Downers operated a dairy farm on 160 acres in a grove surrounded by prairie grass. The first subdivision was built in the area in 1863. The Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad soon followed and in 1873 the village of Downers Grove was incorporated. The settlement continued to grow throughout the late 19th century and into the 20th. In the mid to late 1900s the construction of highways I-88 (1958) and 1-355 (1998) provided the town with greatly improved and easier access to the city of Chicago. This made Downers Grove an attractive spot for Chicagoans to relocate to, affording a simple work commute, plus an escape from the hustle and bustle of life in the city.
Pierce Downer first settled Downers Grove's in 1832 where staked his claim in an oak grove on the prairie. In 1833, Stephen Downer, his son, staked a claim on the south side of the grove. Drawn by the farmland, other families soon arrived in the area and by 1835 a school had been established and Downers Grove was prospering as a small farming community.
The area grew quickly after the Civil War, when the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad connected Downers Grove to Chicago and to the rest of the country. The Village of Downers Grove was incorporated in 1873. Through the years, Downers Grove has grown to a Chicago suburb with over 50,000 residents.
Between 1908 and 1940 residents of Downer's Grove, like other communities across the country, built Sears catalog homes. These ready-to-assemble homes reflected the American taste of the period with sturdy structures, and unusual design concepts. As such, they have become symbolic of this period in history and are increasingly popular among architecture enthusiasts.
Protection of the natural environment is a high priority in Downers Grove. Belmont Prairie covers about 25 acres of some of the last original prairies in Illinois. Lyman Woods is a 135-acre area of original savannas, prairie and marshlands. These two natural areas are popular for educational tours as well as recreational purposes.
Downers Grove Golf Course was built in 1892, and is the site of the oldest 9-hole course in the nation. Meticulously maintained and landscaped, this public golf course is open to all golf enthusiasts.
North Beach Downers Grove is another popular destination for amusement among locals. This entertainment complex is basically a playground for adults with bowling, billiards, air hockey and two full-size indoor volleyball courts. North Beach also hosts live music events and hires DJs, whose expert tune-control inspire visitors to dance the night away. Downers Grove residents who prefer a more mellow outing may want to head down to the Two Way Street Coffee House. This cozy café has performers every Friday night the music tends to lean towards folk and they serve a variety of tea, espresso drinks and snacks. To see a bargain matinee Downers Grove residents visit The Tivoli Theatre. This beautiful and historic movie hall was built in 1928 and was one of the first specifically designed to feature "talkies" or non-silent movies very cutting edge!
Downers Grove offers safe neighborhood developments and affordable housing within easy access of major expressways.
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