Rick West/rwest@dailyherald.comThe Challenge "OK" model windmill was manufactured from 1885-1914. This one sits along the Fox River behind the Batavia Government Center.
Batavia is Kane County's oldest city, founded in 1833. It's nestled along the Fox River as the southern most of what is referred to as the Tri-Cities, along with St. Charles and Geneva.
Known as "The City of Energy," Batavia was once considered the windmill manufacturing capital of the world with four different plants turning out machines capable of turning the winds into energy. Other major industries that helped form the Batavia business identity include quarry stone, wood wagons and refrigerated truck bodies, electrical controls, dairy products, foundry castings, floral productions and clothing garments.
The population of around 27,000 has a diverse community in which to live, with a downtown full of restaurants and parks and historic homes while newer construction stretches out west to Randall Road and beyond. The city is bordered by Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory on the east, which specializes in high-energy particle physics.
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 Batavia 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?
Rick West/rwest@dailyherald.comThe Challenger Windmill Factory in Batavia. In 1857, Nelson Burr founded the first wooden pump company which grew to become Challenge Windmill and Feed Company.
Rick West/rwest@dailyherald.comA decorated Bulldog statue sits perched on the Wilson Street Bridge in Batavia. Bulldogs Unleashed was a 2011 community arts project that exhibited 25 larger-than-life fiberglass bulldogs in downtown Batavia decorated by 22 Illinois artists.
Rick West/rwest@dailyherald.comClark Island Recreation Area is a unique combination of three islands in the Fox River as well as a large open area on the eastern bank of the river. The bridges that connect the islands join the east and west legs of the Fox River Bike Trail.
Rick West/rwest@dailyherald.comPeg Bond Center Performing Arts Pavilion in Batavia was renovated in 2011.
Rick West/rwest@dailyherald.comThe pedestrian bridge that runs along the Fox River just north of Wilson Street in Batavia is adorned with a large "Peace on Earth" sign each Christmas holiday season.
Rick West/rwest@dailyherald.comWilson Hall is the heart of the 6,800 acre Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory. It was built between 1971 and 1974.
Rick West/rwest@dailyherald.comThe Campana Building was built in 1936 to serve as a factory for The Campana Company which produced Italian Balm, the most popular hand lotion in the United States during The Great Depression.
Rick West/rwest@dailyherald.comAn arch was erected several years ago as part of the River Street District makeover.
Rick West/rwest@dailyherald.comFounded in 1833, Batavia is the oldest city in Kane County.
Rick West/rwest@dailyherald.comThe United Methodist Church building on Batavia Avenue was built in 1887.
Rick West/rwest@dailyherald.comAlthough it's had a number of renovations and additions over the years, the Congregational Church of Batavia was originally built using local limestone in 1856.
Rick West/rwest@dailyherald.com"Circle of Peace," by Utah sculptor Gary Price, sits near the Peg Bond Center in Batavia.
Rick West/rwest@dailyherald.comThe Batavia Depot Museum was dedicated in 1975. The abandoned Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad Depot at Webster and Van Buren Streets was moved and renovated to it's current location.
Rick West/rwest@dailyherald.comThe Batavia Government Center.
Rick West/rwest@dailyherald.comThe Batavia Public Library traces its beginnings to 1868 as a library association. Members paid a $5.00 lifetime membership and a yearly tax from which books were purchased. The books were kept in an upper room in the Harvey Block on South Batavia Avenue, between First and Main streets.
Rick West/rwest@dailyherald.comA water tower looms over Batavia Fire Station #2.