Pierce Downer's Heritage Alliance

^{1846 Blodgett House}

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

Thanks
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!

Come to look around inside the 1846 Blodgett House soon, perhaps during
the this year's Merry
and Bright event.}

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^{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 landmark 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.

The
Village Council unanimously approved landmark status on July 9^th
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.

On April 16^th 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.

The
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.}

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^{Improved
Protection for Parkway Trees}

^{The Village
Council on November 12^th adopted
amendments to the
building code intended to strengthen protection of parkway
trees during construction projects. PDHA Chair Ken Lerne} After Effect of Parkway Tree Damage

^{r 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 we}^{ll 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.

At this year's IAPD Gala held November 1^st 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 12/12/2019}}

Village Council Meeting
Tuesday, December 17, 2019
Meeting Agenda
7:00 PM, Committee Room
Village Hall
801 Burlington Avenue
Downers Grove, IL 60515

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PDHA Meeting
Tuesday, January 28, 2020
7:00 PM, Room 307
Lincoln Center,
935 Maple Avenue,
Downers Grove, IL 60515

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Click here to read our
2019 Fall Newsletter

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Click here to read our
2019 Spring Newsletter

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Please consider
a charitable donation
to support
educational activities of
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, January 18, 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.

* * * * *

Click here for information
about curbside recycling