Aurora Historical Society celebrates founding father

The Aurora Historical Society will celebrate "William A. Tanner: 200 years of Aurora History" with a birthday party from 5 to 9 p.m. Friday, Feb. 6, at the Pierce Art and History Center, 20 E. Downer Place in Aurora.

The party will open a new exhibit, "The Life and Times of William A. Tanner, 1815-1892," scheduled to run through May 9.

He was born in 1815, shortly after the words to the national anthem were penned. He would travel to Illinois as a 20-year-old bachelor and, through hard work and impressive foresight, make a success of himself. His large family, grand house and eponymous business that flourished in Aurora for 125 years would make his name a familiar one. He was William Augustus Tanner and his 200th birthday falls on Feb. 17, 2015.

"Tanner's life in Aurora spanned most of the 19th century. He came as one of the very first white settlers, as a participant in America's vigorous westward expansion. He began as a farmer and then built upon boom times by opening a hardware business," said Executive Director John Jaros. "The Civil War, the growth of railroads and the establishment of industry in Aurora created a business environment that he evidently understood. His story is a classic American success story of innovation and hard work. Now is a good time to reflect on what William Tanner and his family contributed to this city."

The birthday party is free although donations will be appreciated. More information at www.aurorahistory.net or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/aurorahistory.

Feb. 6 is also First Friday in Aurora, with a dozen local businesses and galleries open late hours.