Key events in Rosemont's history
Jan. 20, 1956: Rosemont incorporates with 84 acres and 84 residents. They elect 27-year-old Donald E. Stephens mayor.
1963: Park district forms.
1968: A gymnasium and Olympic-sized swimming pool is built.
1975: O'Hare Exposition Center opens. It is expanded over the years and renamed for Stephens in 2000.
May 1980: Rosemont Horizon, now the Allstate Arena, opens after years of hurdles, including the death of five construction workers.
1983: CTA opens el station at River Road.
October 1995: Rosemont Theatre opens.
April 2005: Stephens re-elected to 14th term.
April 2007: Donald Stephens dies. His son, Bradley, takes the helm.
2011: The Stadium at the Ballpark opens and an indoor sports dome follows a year later.
2012: Rosemont's entertainment district opens on the site once intended for a casino.
2013: Fashion Outlets of Chicago mall opens, featuring 530,000 square feet of shopping space.
Source: Village of Rosemont 50th anniversary book, Daily Herald archives