175 years and counting
In 1833 Andrew Jackson was sworn in for his second presidential term and the Leonid Meteor Shower fell on Alabama.
But it's the accomplishments of Julius Warren and family that will be celebrated Saturday and throughout the year in Warrenville.
According to Carolyn Wondrow, president of the local historical society, it was 175 years ago when Warren, a New York native, claimed land along the DuPage River and provided cut lumber to assist other settlers in building their homes.
The town, which bears his name today, grew with railroads and stagecoach lines crossing the town. In 1967, with 4,000 residents, Warrenville was incorporated.
"We've come a long way in those 175 years, so we've got plenty to celebrate," said Connie Weimer, 175th anniversary committee spokeswoman. "Thankfully we've got just about a full year to do it, and the entire community is involved."
The kick-off party, "CELEBRATE 175," will begin at 5 p.m. with a lighted parade at Rockwell Street. It will proceed east in front of the Warrenville Public Library and city hall before ending in the vicinity of the recreation enter on Manning Avenue.
After the lighted parade, food will be available for purchase in city hall, the library, the Community Building and the recreation center. Entertainment will be featured at each of the buildings.
Weimer said the party will end with a bang at 7:45 p.m. as fireworks will be launched from the end of Stafford Place.
Fourth Ward Alderman Clare Barry said planning for Saturday's festivities began back in March to give all the local municipal bodies time to prepare and participate.
Planning went so well, she's making a bold prediction about Saturday's festivities.
"It's going to be the coolest party going on Saturday night, so we want all of our residents and business folks to come out and have a great time," she said. "And after Saturday, we've got a bunch of events throughout the year that also will be tied into the anniversary."
Weimer said all money raised in connection with the anniversary will be put toward building an outdoor amphitheater in Bob Walters Commons, an area between city hall and the library.
Throughout the year, the 175th Anniversary Commission will be selling commemorative merchandise.
The first item is a stuffed anniversary bear featuring the anniversary logo. The bear sells for $7 and is available at city hall and at all the special celebrations in 2008.
"The legacy of the 150th anniversary was having Sesquicentennial Park named after the event," Weimer said. "And today, that's a beautiful park for children, so we hope to leave our legacy in the commons for all to see."
For details on Saturday's celebration or others planned, call (630) 393-9427.
Celebrate 175
What: Kick-off event celebrating Warrenville's 175th birthday features a lighted parade and entertainment at four locations in the municipal campus.
Where: Lighted parade will travel to Stafford Place from Rockwell Street to Warren Avenue ending at the Warrenville Park District Recreation Center
When: Parade from 5 to 5:30 p.m.; entertainment from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Saturday
Cost: Free
Details: (630) 393-9427 or visit http://www.warrenville.il.us/liv_com_175th-anniversary.aspx
A sampling of the top 175 things to do in Warrenville
January: Meet children's author Laurie Lawlor and discuss her book, "Addie Across the Prairie," at 2 p.m. Jan. 26 at the Warrenville Public Library.
February: Climb Mt. Hoy in Blackwell Forest Preserve for a bird's eye view of the Feb. 20 total lunar eclipse.
March: On St. Patrick's Day, meander over to the historical area of downtown Warrenville and down a pint of Guinness.
April: Volunteer to be part of America in Bloom by featuring your garden in the Third Annual Warrenville Garden Contest.
May: Take in the Wheaton Warrenville South High School Finale Concert at 7:30 p.m. May 19. All of the school's choruses and orchestras will perform.
June: Float a small sailboat on Lund Lake.
July: Burgers 'n Bluegrass at Trinity Lutheran Church begins the first Wednesday in July.
August: Spend the first weekend of August at the 31st Annual Summer Daze of Warrenville (formerly the Car Show and Street Dance)
September: The Warrenville Historical Society is holding a Historical Neighborhood Walk Sept. 20 featuring old homes on 4th and Main streets.
October: Check out the burning regulations and host a chili party and bonfire for friends and family.
November: Visit the Warrenville Historical Museum from 1 to 4 p.m. Sundays and see the collection of arrowheads, spears and other Native American artifacts found on Mack Farm.
December: Volunteer with the Christmas Sharing Program, serving less-fortunate families within the boundaries of Wheaton Warrenville School District 200.
Source: http://www.warrenville.il.us/includes/uploads/File/175WaysCelebrate.pdf