1846 Blodgett House

Public tours inside the 1846 Blodgett House started on Saturday, December 14, during last year’s Merry and Bright celebration at the Downers Grove Museum, 831 Maple Avenue.

1846 Blodgget HouseThanks to community-wide support the 1846 Blodgett House has come a long way during the past decade, well beyond its initial journey from Randall Street onto the Park District’s Museum Campus. Substantial progress toward completion of the building’s interior has been achieved this year as a result of two major grants. The house now looks really great as described on the Park District's website!

Come to look around inside the 1846 Blodgett House soon. Regular monthly tours are now being offered, with Saturday afternoon tours on February 22nd and March 21st. Attendance is quite limited so please sign up for your tour in advance on the Park District's registration page.

* * * * *
Historic Preservation Activities

The Village's historic preservation program was revised in 2015, contributing to an increased interest in landmarking homes and other structures. Since then twenty-six historic features have been granted local landmark status in Downers Grove – nine structures in 2016, another nine in 2017, four more in 2018 and four historic features in 2019.

The Village Council unanimously approved la5329 Meadow Lanendmark status on December 10, 2019 for the John and Doris Mochel House, 5329 Meadow Lane at the request of Louise and Peter Trucano. Please click here to learn about this Mid-Century Modern home that was built in 1964.
Robert J. Darnley House
The Village Council unanimously approved landmark status on July 9th for the Robert J. Darnley House, 4721 Highland Avenue, at the request of Ted and Andrea Anderson.  Please click here to learn about this Craftsman Cottage home that was built circa 1904.

Main Street Cemetery
On April 16th landmark status for the Village owned Main Street Cemetery, 5158 Main Street, was unanimously approved by the Village Council following a request by the Downers Grove Historical Society.  Learn about this source of civic pride and identity that was established in 1856 by clicking here.

H M Patton HouseThe Village Council unanimously approved landmark status on February 5, 2019 for the H. M. Patton House, 5 Jacqueline Drive, at the request of Judith M. Erickson.  Please click here to learn about this English Country Revival home that was built circa 1927.

Please click here to read about the presentation to Friends Of The Edwards House of the 2017 Richard H. Driehaus Foundation Preservation Award for Advocacy.

Please click here for a complete listing of the 28 historic features that have been granted local landmark status in Downers Grove.
* * * * *
Improved Protection for Parkway Trees

The Village Council on November 12th adopted amendments to the building code intended to strengthen protection of parkway trees during construction projects.  PDHA Chair Ken LerneAfter Effect of Parkway Tree Damager told Council members that PDHA is pleased the Village recognizes that there continue to be problems with tree protection during construction projects and views the proposed changes as steps in the right direction. Click here to read a summary of the changes to the building permit review and inspection process as well as Ken's statement to the Council.

Damage to parkway tree





  

* * * * *
Gordon Goodman Recognized As
 Outstanding Citizen Volunteer

Dr. Gordon Goodman has been named a 2019 Outstanding Citizen Volunteer of the Year by the Illinois Association of Park Districts (IAPD). As explained on the DGParks.org website, this award recognizes citizens' volunteer efforts to enhance a park district, forest preserve, conservation, recreation or special recreation agency program, service, parkland, open space or facility.

The Downers Grove Park District nominated Gordon for his long-term, outstanding contributions in securing and safeguarding the Lyman Woods Nature Preserve and the 1846 Blodgett House at the Downers Grove Museum.
Goodman & McAdam 11/1/2019
At this year's IAPD Gala held November 1st Bill McAdam, Executive Director for the Downers Grove Park District, congratulated Gordon.

“Dr. Goodman’s dedication, support and foresight in preserving natural areas and historic landmarks has provided our community with significant treasures to appreciate and enjoy for generations to come,” said McAdam.

* * * * *
Betty Cheever & Wally Brown Honored


Many organizations and individuals joined forces to honor Betty M. Cheever and Wallace H. (Wally) Brown (June 16, 1928 - April 23, 2019) with tribute benches in Lyman Woods Preserve. A celebration of Betty Cheever's and Wally Brown's community leadership took place on Sunday, May 21, 2017 at the Lyman Woods Interpretative Center.  Please click here to learn more about this event and the tribute benches honoring the late Wally Brown and Betty Cheever.

* * * * *
Heritage Alliance Mission

Pierce Downer's Heritage Alliance is dedicated to preserving the natural and cultural heritage of Downers Grove.

In the past, we have maintained sharp focus on the natural heritage within our community.  Pierce Downer's Heritage Alliance has been instrumental in the preservation and protection of Lyman Woods, and Belmont Prairie, which continue as on-going projects. We are now also committed to the preservation of cultural aspects of Downers Grove, including its rich architectural heritage. We work to accomplish our mission through education as well as community outreach.

Last updated 2/15/2020
PDHA Logo
 
Village Council Meeting
Tuesday, February 18, 2020
Meeting Agenda
7:00 PM, Committee Room
Village Hall
801 Burlington Avenue
Downers Grove, IL 60515

* * * * *

PDHA Meeting
Tuesday, February 25, 2020
7:00 PM, Room 307
  Lincoln Center,
935 Maple Avenue,
Downers Grove, IL 60515

 * * * * *

Click here to read our
2019 Fall Newsletter

 * * * * *

 Click here to read our
2019 Spring Newsletter

 * * * * *

Please consider
a charitable donation
to support
educational activities of
Pierce Downer's
Heritage Alliance.

Click here to request more information about Pierce Downer's Heritage Alliance.
* * * * *

Click here to see
Ashley Wurth's slides
about Urban Coyotes
from our 2016 Annual Meeting.

* * * * *

Click here to see Michael Lambert's slides on Historic Preservation in Geneva, IL
from our 2015 Annual Meeting.

* * * * *

Click here to learn about beekeeping in Lyman Woods.

* * * * *

1846 Blodgett House

An opportunity exists to restore the 1846 Blodgett House, one of the Village's oldest houses reflecting our rich cultural heritage. PDHA supports such efforts to preserve valuable historic resources for future generations.

Click here to learn about the
1846 Blodgett House project.
* * * * *

Click here to learn more about other local historic preservation activities in Downers Grove.


* * * * *

 Downers Grove Township's Monthly Electronic Recycling
Is Continuing in 2020
 
AVA E-Recycling is continuing again this year its electronics recycling program in cooperation with Downers Grove Township Highway Department.

Audio or video cassettes, as well as CD’s, are no longer accepted and all TV’s need to have a prepaid coupon from AVA. Please click here to learn more about the rules for recycling TV's.
 
The next event is scheduled Saturday, February 15, from 8 AM to 12 PM at the Highway Garage, 318 Quincy Street, Westmont IL 60559. Other events will follow on the third Saturday of each month at the same time and location, unless that date falls on a holiday weekend.
 
As always the events close promptly at noon and electronics can only be dropped off on event dates. Drop offs outside of designated hours are not allowed.
 
For further information, please call Downers Grove Township Highway Department at (630) 719-6625.