Towns
Originally called Charleston and yet another town named after the hometown of early settlers: Charleston, Vermont. It changed to avoid confusion with the downstate Charleston.
St. Charles
"Come out here. Lots of rich land," Stephen Downer, a mason building Chicago's first lighthouse, wrote to this father, Pierce, in the early 1830s. Heeding his son, Pierce staked his claim to 160 acres in a grove of oak trees at the fork of two ancient Native American trails.
Downer's Grove
This factory operated in Villa Park from 1917 to 1985. A cultural staple beloved by children, the milk-flavored concoction was a sponsor of radio series int he 1940s. It has now been converted into an apartment complex and overlooks the Prairie Path.
Ovaltine Factory
This well-known comedian and actor, born in Oak Park, starred in two iconic TV shows. In one, he portrayed a psychologist named Dr. Robert Hartley, while in the other, he played an innkeeper in a charming Vermont town.
Bob Newhart
This suburb is famous for its historical architecture and being the home of renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright.
Oak Park
Founded in 1832 and named Herrington's Ford after the first postmaster and a settler, the new name came in 1850. Charles Volney Dyer, a Chicago lawyer and noted abolitionist, persuaded folks to name the town after the pleasant city in Switzerland.
Geneva
Elm trees planted by settlers, many German, in the 1850s provided the name. "Hurst" is the English version of hoorst, the German word for grove.
Elmhurst
A waterwheel gristmill in Oakbrook by an immigrant from Hanover, German. He came to the United States and settled in Fullersburg, IL in 1842. Limestone for the basement walls were quarried near Lemont. Flooring, beams and posts were from white oak timber cut along the I&M canal. The family operated the mill for 70 years.
Graue Mill
An actor and comedian. He is widely recognized for his roles in movies like "Mrs. Doubtfire," "Good Will Hunting," and his role as a stand-up comedian.
Robin Williams
"stinky onion"
Ahead of their time, the McCarthy brothers, who dammed the river when they settled here in the 1830s want to name their settlement Waubonsee after a local Potawatomi chief. But a cousin prevailed on them to name it after their hometown in New York.
Aurora
A developer who built the town's first homes in the late 1950's, named his subdivision and the creek that ran through it, after his daughter, Carol, who survived a terrible car accident in 1957.
Carol Stream
A 500-acre park that includes gardens, museums, and the First Division Museum, which highlights the history of the U.S. Army’s 1st Infantry Division. The park is also famous for its stunning landscapes and historic landmarks.
Cantigny Park (Wheaton)
A film director, producer, and screenwriter born Northbrook, IL. He is famous for creating iconic teen films in the 1980s like "The Breakfast Club," "Ferris Bueller's Day Off," and "Sixteen Candles."
John Hughes
Which suburban town is the birthplace of the first McDonald's restaurant?
Des Plaines
No area town has seen more name changes. It began as Babcock's Grove in 1833 after three settler brothers, then DuPage Center, Stacy's Corners after the Stacy family; Newton's Station, Danby, Prospect Park and finally in 1885 named after Village President and his wife.
Glen Ellyn
Originally called Blackberry Station because of numerous blackberries here and the new train depot. The railroad asked for a new name because of the nearby Blackberry Center and Blackberry Township. Settlers chose Melbourne in 1885. But the road said, "Too many Melbourne's." So they dropped a few letters.
Elburn
Where is the half size replica of the Leaning Tower of Pisa located?
Niles
A singer and actress. She won an Academy Award for her role in "Dreamgirls" and is a celebrated artist in both film and music.
Jennifer Hudson
12th Street in Chicago was renamed in 1919 to honor recently deceased President.
Roosevelt Road
First known as Kettlestring's Grove for an early settler, Joseph Kettlestring from Yorkshire, England, in 1833, the name change came in 1866 courtesy of a developer eager to promote the village.
Oak Park
Begun in 1886, its local mineral springs were heavily promoted then for their curative powers.
Western Springs
Location in Willow Springs, IL from the 1800s and is now a museum and part of the Cook County Forest Preserve. It provides visitors with insight into the region's educational history.
The Little Red Schoolhouse
Born in Evanston, Illinois. A notable actor is known for movies like "Say Anything," "High Fidelity," and "The Sure Thing."
John Cusack
DuPage County has 14 streets with this name. Chicago has none. _____ Street
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