Happy 180th, St. Charles
Happy birthday, St. Charles!
In early May, our town will celebrate its 180th birthday. My review of "St. Charles: Culture and Leisure in an All-American Town," by Costas Spirou suggests a community with a rich heritage that supports our promising future.
Consider some of the milestone events that have shaped our community:
• In 1834, Evan Shelby, Ira Minard and Read Ferson founded the town and named it Charleston after a town in Mr. Ferson's home state of Vermont.
• In 1874, St. Charles became incorporated with Dr. James K. Lewis as the first mayor.
• The first bridge across the Fox River was built in 1836 and was 18 feet wide. An ice storm and flood destroyed the bridge in 1849 and ferry service provided transportation across the river.
• The first general store in town was built in 1836 by Ira Minard.
• Lester Norris invested $500,000 to build the Arcada Theatre, which opened on Labor Day in 1926.
• Built by Col. Edward J. Baker, the Hotel Baker opened its doors June 2, 1928.
• On May 20, 1912, Pottawatomie Park was established as the first public park in Illinois.
• The St. Charles Country Club was established in 1924 and the golf course was opened in 1926.
• In 1940, the Municipal Building was completed and entered the National Register of Historic Places in 1991.
• In 1962, Edward McArdle opened a restaurant called Pheasant Run.
• In 1972, Dellora and Lester Norris donated 70 acres of land where St. Charles East High School was built. Additional Norris grants were responsible for construction of the Dellora Norris Cultural Arts Center, the Lester Norris Sports Complex and the John B. Norris Recreation Center.
• The Flea Market moved to St. Charles in 1967 and has become a monthly event for residents and visitors.
• Our Scarecrow Fest, established in 1985 and ready for its 30th birthday next year, is nationally recognized as one of our country's best. And in 2011 St. Charles was named No. 1 for families by Family Circle magazine.
• Ms. Alice Davis reflected about our city's future back in 1940:
"But the same natural beauty of our river town is here, the same spirit of honest pride and independence exists, and the same love of home and town thrill us. As we have kept the natural beauty, so we will hang onto the St. Charles spirit. Public spirited citizens, some with money, more with energy and loyal fondness will increase its attractiveness and keep it a true hometown."
• I certainly believe Ms. Davis was a visionary and I firmly believe that energy and loyal fondness will add to the wonder of our proud community.
Happy birthday, St. Charles!
• Raymond Rogina is the 18th mayor of St. Charles.
St. Charles at a glance
Population: 33,153
Official slogan: Pride of the Fox
Founded: 1834 (as Charleston; changed to St. Charles 1839)
Size: 14.1 square miles
Number of households: 12,404
Average household size: 2.58
Per capita income: $37,356
Average household income: $98,530
Median household income: $75,800
Public elementary schools: 12
Public middle schools: 3
Public high schools: 2
Private elementary schools: 4
Special education schools: 1
Sales tax: 8 percent
Property tax: 6.36 percent
Utility tax: 5 percent (inc. electric)
Hotels: 11
Resorts: 1
Total rooms: 2,402
Restaurants and bars: 117
Banquet halls: 6
Churches: 12
Museums: 3
Major festivals and events: Fine Art Show (May); Pride of the Fox RiverFest (June); Kane County Fair (July); Scarecrow Fest (October)
Some figures based on 2012 estimates provided by Nielsen Claritas
SOURCE: stcharlesil.gov