Moving day nears for historic Glen Ellyn trough

A piece of Glen Ellyn's history will be moved in a couple weeks to make room for a new holiday tradition.

The village's famous water trough, located at the corner of Main Street and Crescent Boulevard, will be removed so a 20-foot artificial Christmas tree can stand in its place downtown.

And so far, it's unknown whether the original trough will return - even after the $8,000 tree comes down in January.

Public Works Director Joe Caracci said officials are looking into acquiring a replica trough that they would be more comfortable moving every year.

The original trough, an unofficial Glen Ellyn landmark that years ago helped quench the thirst of horses, has been moved to a number of locations throughout its history.

But this year will be the first time the trough has been moved in a couple decades. Meanwhile, age and previous damage from cars have officials concerned about the trough's condition.

If officials acquire a replica, the original trough could be donated to the Glen Ellyn Historical Society. However, no talks are in the works.

The trough is expected to be removed during the first week of November, and the tree should be up before Thanksgiving weekend.

"I think we're looking forward to a new look in the downtown area," Caracci said.

Traditionally, Glen Ellyn's Christmas trees have been in the location of the trough without it being removed. But last year, a real tree was placed in a flower bed just south and east of that location.

Jane Stroh, who owns The Bookstore in downtown, said some residents were upset with last year's real tree and its relocation.

"I'm open to some experimentation," she said. "But I think Glen Ellyn is very tied to tradition."

"It was kind of a note to the board that the tree may need some sprucing up," Caracci said. "So now is the year we're going to go ahead and replace the tree."

In addition to buying the new artificial Christmas tree, village leaders have set aside $27,000 for holiday decorations and, possibly, fabricating the replica horse trough.

Officials also are highly considering decorating Five Corners during the holidays where they'll put up the old artificial tree.