Histories of the Darien, Willowbrook, and Indian Prairie Public Libraries

It's hard to imagine that library service to Darien residents started out as the Darien Volunteer Library and was based in a bookmobile. Willowbrook residents received service from a small storefront location. Thanks to the efforts of many residents, and organizations such as the Darien Woman's Club,  the Indian Praire Public Library now serves the residents of Willowbrook, most of Darien, and parts of Burr Ridge in a newly renovated building. View photos of the Darien libraries and the Willowbrook library and visit the Darien and Willowbrook pages to read more about the libraries.

Darien Historical Society’s Tree Lighting Ceremony

Start the holiday season off with a local traditon and join the Tree Lighting ceremony at Old Lace Schoolhouse & Museum on December 4, at 4 p.m.  Read more about the festivities.

Tiedtville, Santa Fe Park and Speedway

Visit the Tiedtville, Santa Fe Park and Speedway page and Flickr set to read about the boom town of Tiedtville, its popular Santa Fe Park, and how it became the the Santa Fe Speedway.

Civil War Re-enactment and Program September 18, 2011 at Old Lace Museum

The Old Lace Museum is hosting an open house from 1 to 3 p.m. on Sunday, September 18, 2011. At 2 p.m. the Darien VFW Post 2833 will present and retire the colors, and the 36th Infantry volunteers will perform a re-enactment. Debbie Coulman and Don Dibbern will talk about the Civil War Veterans who are buried in Cass and St. John Lutheran cemeteries.

School Days

The leaves are turning, summer vacations are over—sure signs that school has resumed. The schools that our students attend are vastly different from the one room school houses that once served our districts. View our Flickr set of historic school photos for a glimpse of our educational past. Read the blog entry about Anne M. Jeans who exemplifies the life of a remarkable and dedicated educator.

Darien Historical Society’s Annual Ice Cream Social

Darien Historical Society joins with the Darien Park District for the annual Ice Cream Social on Wednesday, June 22^nd at 6:00 p.m. – Community Park at Clarendon Hills & Plainfield Roads (rain location is the park district center at 7301 Fairview).  Music by the Chi-Town Showstoppers at 7:00 p.m.  The donation is $3.00, and there will be free lemonade & cookies.  Bring your blanket and chairs.

History of Lyonsville Congregational Church

Learn more about the oldest Congregational church in Cook County--especially the important role the Church played in the American Civil War. Be sure to visit the Flickr set to view photos of this historic church.

Civil War Letters from Flagg Creek’s Collection

This year marks the 150th anniversary of the American Civil War. The Flagg Creek Heritage Society has allowed us to share some of their collection of Civil War letters on Flickr. The collection includes letters that a young Lieutenant of the 127th Illinois Regiment, Hiram McClintock, wrote to his friend Sarah North. Though written 150 years ago, the letters bring the events  to life. McClintock's death at Vicksburg makes these letters all the more poignant and captivating.

New Pages and Photos Added for Darien History

Did you know that Darien has a White House? Have you heard of U.S. Representative Martin B. Madden? If not, you are missing a fascinating part of  Darien's past. Read about  U.S. Representative Martin B. Madden's illustrious career and his summer home Castle Eden (now Ayelsford.) View the Darien Historical Society's photos of Madden and Castle Eden.

DuPage and Civil War Topic: Marcellus Jones & William Plum

Gallery Talk: DuPage and Civil War Topic: Marcellus Jones & William Plum

Where: Dupage County Historical Museum, 102 E Wesley St, Wheaton, IL 60187
Date: April 28, 2011
Time: 1:00pm–2:00pm
The museum, in conjunction with its newest exhibit, “DuPage County and the Civil War: A Local Perspective,” is presenting a year-long lecture series to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Civil War, sponsored by the First Division Museum. Registration is required.

Other scheduled lectures for the spring of 2011 include:

■May 18, 7-8 p.m.: “First Lady of Midwest:  Mary Todd Lincoln,” lecture by Cynthia Ogorek
■May 14, 1-2 p.m.:“The Underground Railroad,” presented by Terry Lynch
■May 25, 7-8 p.m.: “Baseball and the Civil War,” lecture by Bruce Allardice
■May 26, 1-2 p.m.: Gallery Talk, DuPage and Civil War Topic: Women and Children

Features: Free
Website: http://www.dupagemuseum.org
Phone: 630-510-4956
Email: sbuttita@wheatonparks.org