Darien Historical Society’s Farm Tools, circa 1840-1945 on display
Visit the library's second floor to view the Darien Historical Society's fascinating display of antique farm tools. To see more DHS collections, visit the Old Lace School Museum on the first Sunday of the month from 1 to 3 p.m. Pick up an order form for DHS' soon to be published book on Darien's historic roots. And if you don't have time to see the display or make it to the museum, view some of the museum's collections on Flickr.
Willowbrook receives Governor’s Home Town Award
The Village of Willowbrook really knows how to throw a party! On October 26, 2011, the Village received the Governor’s Home Town Award for History and Historic Preservation. The Village received the award for the year-long community wide activities that it offered in 2010 to celebrate and commemorate its 50th Anniversary. View images of the the Birthday Bash, Family Fun Day, and a Dickens of a Holiday celebrations and read more about these award winning events.
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 22nd 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.