The "Dunham Castle" is an iconic building in Wayne at the intersection of Army Trail and Dunham roads.
Mark Black/mblack@dailyherald.com
If you were to paint a picture of small-town America, the village of Wayne could be a perfect model.
A town of just 2,700, the village straddles the borders of DuPage and Kane counties, with a picturesque downtown - complete with a historic country church - the "Dunham Castle," many homes that date to the 1800s and lots and lots of horses.
Indeed, many of the village's residents own horses and it's not unusual to see folks riding along the area's many trails and even along the roads.
The first permanent settlers came to the area in 1835 and were involved in agricultural pursuits. It wasn't until 1850 when the extension of the Galena and Chicago Union's rail lines came to the area that more businesses and settlers arrived in Wayne. The first post office was established In 1853.
We recently spent some time exploring the village and photographing things around town that make it unique.
Look for a new "Icons of ..." town gallery every Sunday at dailyherald.com/galleries and on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. On our social media sites, share your favorite Wayne photos with us by using #shareyoursuburb.
And tell us what photos are your favorites. Which ones stir a memory for you? Where do you love to go in town?
The Wayne Prairie Garden is at the intersection of Army Trail and Dunham roads in Wayne.
Mark Black/mblack@dailyherald.com
The Misty's Meadow Natural Area.
Mark Black/mblack@dailyherald.com
Parts of the Fox River Trail run through the village.
Mark Black/mblack@dailyherald.com
The western end of Army Trail Road intersects with Route 25 along the Fox River in Wayne.
Mark Black/mblack@dailyherald.com
The western end of Army Trail Road intersects with Route 25 along the Fox River in Wayne.
Mark Black/mblack@dailyherald.com
The Wayne post office is smaller than most homes in the village.
Mark Black/mblack@dailyherald.com
The Wayne police station and village hall.
Mark Black/mblack@dailyherald.com
A large stone commemorating the Bicentennial on July 4, 1976, sits outside the police station and village hall.
Mark Black/mblack@dailyherald.com
An old train station building sits along the Union Pacific Railroad line in downtown Wayne.
Mark Black/mblack@dailyherald.com
The Union Pacific railroad line runs north-south through Wayne.
Mark Black/mblack@dailyherald.com
A few shops line Army Trail Road in the historic downtown, including this building that housed the Outpost General Store that closed in late 2015.
Mark Black/mblack@dailyherald.com
The Wayne Historical District contains 52 homes and buildings and was put on the National Registry of Historic Places in 1978.
Mark Black/mblack@dailyherald.com
This building, dating back to 1880, currently houses Hutter Trankina Engineering.
Mark Black/mblack@dailyherald.com
United Church of Christ in downtown Wayne.
Mark Black/mblack@dailyherald.com
The Wayne Historical District was put on the National Registry of Historic Places in 1978.
Mark Black/mblack@dailyherald.com
Cars are more common than buggies in 2016, but you never know in Wayne.
Mark Black/mblack@dailyherald.com
The Wayne Historical District contains 52 homes and buildings and was put on the National Registry of Historic Places in 1978.
Mark Black/mblack@dailyherald.com
The Wayne Historical District that contains 52 homes and buildings and was put on the National Registry of Historic Places in 1978.
Mark Black/mblack@dailyherald.com
Wayne School.
Mark Black/mblack@dailyherald.com
Bike, horse and walking paths are plentiful in Wayne.
Mark Black/mblack@dailyherald.com
Many residents of Wayne have horses on their property and like to ride in the surrounding area, so there are plenty of signs to warn drivers to keep a look out for horses crossing the road.
Mark Black/mblack@dailyherald.com
Many Wayne residents have horses on their property.
Mark Black/mblack@dailyherald.com
Norton Creek meanders through Wayne.
Mark Black/mblack@dailyherald.com