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Brick Stories G to M
For nearly 40 years now, we’ve been involved with the Downers Grove Public Library, at first as library patrons and members of the Friends of the Library. Gordon served as Membership Chair, Treasurer and, in 1980, as President of the FOL. Then for 14 years Nancy was employed at the library, working behind the Circulation Desk and getting to know many of the regular library patrons.
We think of the library as our community’s principal cultural amenity and have always been full of admiration and gratitude for the good will and energy of its Staff and Board members. When the new, greatly expanded building came into being, buying a Garden Walk brick gave us the perfect opportunity to express our support for the library in a lasting way. By contributing funds for the purchase of new works of art, we honor all the Board members and staff who have made the Downers Grove Public Library a great asset for our community.
Gordon and Nancy Goodman
HONORING
LIBRARY STAFF
AND BOARDS
GORDON AND
NANCY GOODMAN
The Green Family
Our children, Laura, Brian, and William, all grew up in Downers Grove and benefitted from the many offerings of the Downers Grove Public Library. We are thankful for all that the staff of the library have done to contribute to the learning experiences of our children. As the library enters a new phase, we all hope that other children will enjoy the library as we have. Our brick represents both the past and our hope for the future of the Downers Grove Library, as well as the fact that we are proud of our children.
IN HONOR OF
THE GREENS:
LAURA, BRIAN,
BRENDA, MARK,
AND WILLIAM
William
Greenhill
President
F.O.L.
1988 - 1994
Family and friends are honoring William Greenhill’s love of reading and his satisfaction from being President of the Friends of the Library (F.O.L.) from 1988 - 1994. His first newspaper reporter job at age 16 and his career in public relations grew from his interest in books, particularly history and biographies of American presidents. His wife, children, and grandchildren are grateful for the provision of libraries for research, children’s books, enjoyment and knowledge.
-Jennifer Greenhill Hoskins
Gunn: see Sedath.
Ron Hale was a loving husband and father. He was devoted to his educational career. He spent his entire career in Downers Grove from 1956 to 1991.
During that time he was a teacher, principal, and assistant superintendent. At Highland School he was a teacher and principal. He was the first principal at Belle Aire School and then became an assistant superintendent for curriculum for School District 58.
While in the main office, he realized that he missed his contact with the children. So, his last few years were spent as a principal at Fairmount School.
Ron was happiest when in the classroom. He was firm, but had a special rapport with the children. He touched many lives and will always be remembered.
In Memory
Of
Ronald Hale
I have lived in Downers Grove all of my life. Last Christmas my wife and daughter surprised me by ordering a library brick.
My great grandfather, Eldred Thatcher (my mother’s side of the family), came to Downers Grove from Hartford, Pennsylvania in 1838. His first wife, Harriet Newell Thatcher, is buried in the Main Street cemetery. Their children John, Helen, and Harvey were born in Downers Grove. Harvey, my grandfather, had three daughters, Helen, Ruth, and Bernice, who was my mother.
The Thatcher home was at 1232 Gilbert and still stands. I have a contract in my possession that Eldred Thatcher sold the “back” 50 feet of his property at 1232 Gilbert Avenue to the CB&Q Railroad for 5 cents and all the lumber he could cut. I am very proud and feel fortunate to be a part of the Downers Grove History.
BILL AND JOAN
HANNAN
George/Joni Hansen
When the “Brick Inscription” idea came up I thought it was a good way to “memorialize” someone but I didn’t have anyone to really memorialize. Because my husband and I could not think of anything witty and short (or better than the ones already turned in!) we decided to just use our own names thinking we could point it out to our grandchildren in the future. I think we decided to use the year 1958, too - the year we decided to make Downers Grove our home.
As it turned out, the brick inscription was a way to remember a very happy time in our lives in 1998 we celebrated three vacations, to Spain, Hawaii, and Colorado; our 40th wedding anniversary, and many other things. In February of 1999 my husband died of a brain tumor. This stone when I see it will be remind me of a hot day during heritage fest with a new addition being added onto the Library!
George and Joni
Hansen
D.G. - 1958
My brick says “Susan Hanson, Librarian 1966 - 2001.” I came to Downers Grove as a newlywed in 1966 and began working as the head of the Junior Room, leaving in June of 1967 for the birth of my first child. I returned part-time off and on during child rearing years and finally became permanent again in 1979 as a part-time reference librarian.
The Downers Grove Public Library has been a large part of my life for 33 years so I felt I wanted something permanent to mark my time here. Including the dates of employment was my husband’s idea though I have regretted it as I now think it looks like a tombstone! I don’t plan to die in 2001 but only to retire!
For all the years I have worked here the library has given wonderful service to the community and I have always been proud to be a part of that.
Ralph Harrison
D.G. Police Officer
1964 – 1984
Born December 9th, 1932 in Ashton, Illinois.
Graduated from Maine Township High School in Des Plaines, IL.
Served in the army 1953 - 1955, stationed in Germany.
Worked for Lord Lumber Company in Downers Grove for 11 years.
Was a policeman for 20 years.
Found Officer Richard Barth shot and killed in the line of duty.
Bus driver for Little Friends.
Bailiff in Wheaton to a woman judge for 4 years.
Usher, trustee, elder at Immanuel Luther Church
Active in American Legion. Sergeant - at - arms
Married Dolores Jean Zarn July 30th, 1955.
Two sons named Scott Edwin and Ronald Charles.
AL AND EVE HODOUS
BOBBY, PATTY, BILLY
BERT & BRIAN
A weekly trip to the Downers Grove Public Library was an important part of our life. Our five children, a year apart, always remembered to take along shopping bags to carry home their choices.
My husband and I have always known the library contributed to the success of all our children and for that we thank you.
Eve Hodous
F451 Read On!
Ray Bradbury’s Fahrenheit 451 reminds us all of the importance of reading and how the ideas expressed between the covers of the book may please or provoke. These concepts challenge us to come to grips with our notions of the world. F-451 alerts us to the dangers of censorship, by portraying its ultimate and most profane manifestation…the burning of books. Bradbury shows us that books go far beyond our hands and eyes. They can and must continue to be part of us, if only in our memories.
Don, Pam, Katie, and Mike Whitfield Jacobson.
Walk, Rabbit, Walk
For Jamie
Walk, Rabbit, Walk was our son Jamie’s favorite book as a toddler. The book told a story of Rabbit enjoying a walk to Owl’s house. Other animal guests rushed by Rabbit to get to the party, only to be stopped in their haste. Rabbit, on the other hand, found particular joy in the sights and sounds of his journey. Jamie died at age 5 many years ago, but we often stop to remember the lessons his favorite book taught us.
Don and Pam Whitfield Jacobson
In Memory Of
Carolyn Jean James
The story behind “our” brick begins in 1968, when Carolyn died at the young age of 33, leaving to mourn her 3 children, one of which is my husband Howard. Howard was 12 at the time and although many years have passed, he continues to miss her very much. About one year ago, Howard (finally) became a parent himself and with the arrival of our son Joshua Jay James, the reality that Joshua will never get to know his grandmother in person brought back some painful memories.
That’s when we heard about the Library’s Garden Walk and without hesitating we called the library to inquire about dedicating a brick in memory of Joshua’s grandmother, who was not only a loving mother and wonderful human being, but happened to be a librarian as well.
We don’t know how long we will remain in Downers Grove, or if Joshua will make it his home, but from now on he will always be able to return to the city of his birth and touch the brick that bears his grandmother’s name.
-The James Family
The Jencks, Samonte, Snell, and Williams are a family of daughter, son-in-law, grandchildren and cousins. We represent 30+ years of residency in Downers Grove. Over these many years, we have watched the library grow from its original structure to what it is today in 1999. We congratulate you for the lovely building, and thank you for the opportunity to become part of this special place. We look forward to our continued enjoyment from the books and services that the library provides.
Anita, Paul, and Heather Jencks
Val and Jim, Amanda and Olivia Snell
Rich, Barb, Jill and Tana Samonte
Allison, Joshua and Sarah Williams
During the campaign for the library referendum, the Reporter asked me why I was co-chairing the campaign. I answered that it was for my grandchildren, my own sons grew up enjoying the Downers Grove Library and now it needed to be updated for the next generation. So I was thrilled when my grandchildren and my daughter-in-law surprised me with my own special brick:
To Joslyn from Allison, Marie, and Emily
P.S. They love the new library and use it often!
The large brick that has my children and grandchildren on it is it to signify the support and celebration of my family for our new library. During the entire referendum process they were always behind the project, even to Brad giving up a planned trip to Ireland with me because it fell during election week.
Margaret
Dana Emily Marie
Allison Joslyn
Eric Laura
J - Joyful
A - Angelic
N - Noble
E - nthusiastic
L - Loving
L - Laughing
E - Ever present in our hearts
Janelle roughly means God’s grace. It was by the grace of God that Janelle was born into our family at 2 pounds 14 oz. Her smile could knock you over and she had a song for anyone who would listen. We often woke to a serenade of the Wheels on the Bus. More than once I saw her overwhelm family, friends, and even strangers in adjacent cars at stop lights with her loving acceptance and bountiful hello as she engaged them directly as if recognizing them all as long lost family at every meeting. I often wondered where her life would lead her with this innate social gift.
Janelle’s journey brought our family to many of the area hospitals and even one in New York City. She was born with a rare genetic condition called Russell-Silver syndrome. Janelle became one of the MAGIC children as we got to know other families around the world who were on a like journey in their lives and we were blessed to live for a moment in a world that is filled with difficulty but, overshadowed by love and the joy of simple things. We will always remember fondly the many family, friends, therapists, nurses and doctors who walked with us and were touched by Janelle’s life. Janelle left us to be with God at 2.5 years old. During her short time, Janelle’s presence was felt by many. May we all strive to bring love, acceptance and joy to those around us as Janelle effortlessly demonstrated in her exuberant smile and welcome to all she met.
This brick was brought in Janelle’s memory by her grandparents, Donald and Arlene Guest. I would like to take this opportunity to thank them. The depth of their emotional support and wisdom was strength I could lean on during difficult times. Words cannot express my gratitude. We love you.
Janelle will always be ever present in our hearts.
-Joe, Laura and Julian Jovanovich
FROM JANE
THE CAT AND
A.R. JUST
Cats see reading material as competition for attention which could be much better spent in service of them. There’s nothing droller than a cat camping out on your book, newspaper or letter until you acknowledge her status as the most important presence in the room. Jane-the-Cat certainly deserves a library brick for all the books she has put in their proper place.
There was a dear feline, Queen Jane
(who wasn’t in any way Plain)
She’d like to oft’ look
At paper and book
And sit on then while she would reign.
A.R. Just
IN HONOR OF
THE LADIES
LIBRARY ASSOCIATION
HELEN KAPER
In 1891, determined that Downers Grove should have its own public library, the Ladies Library Association took the first step by founding a small reading room above the Farmes and Merchants Bank on the Northeast corner of Main and Curtis.
To cover the rent, they levied a 25 cent quarterly use fee and spent the next 20 years volunteering their time and working to establish a tax-supported library.
When the Ladies Library Association began their reading room, the population of Downers Grove was 960. The library was open on Tuesdays and Fridays, from 3:00 to 8:30 p.m., and patrons could check out one book at a time. The ladies spent no more than $3 for any book that they added to the collection, and on a good day seventy-five books were checked out.
The dedication and foresight of the Ladies Library Association in creating a public library more than 100 years ago remain their greatest legacy. An early circulating catalog proclaimed, “We do not regard our present collection of books as in any sense complete. It is but a modest beginning, a nucleus which will, we trust, grow into a large and valuable library.” The ladies were right. Our wonderful new library is a testament to their foresight, and this brick is just a small thank you for their efforts.
SUPPORTING
KNOWLEDGE!
KASTENHOLZ
Our family has always enjoyed visiting libraries! We happen to think Downers Grove Library is one of the best. Out 5 year old twins love "Miss Mouse" and absolutely adore her new home. Not many libraries house an abundance of books, magazines, computers, changing artwork, quiet reading placed and free lectures, not to mention the VERY TALENTED and CREATIVE Junior Room Staff! We are truly blessed to have this resource in our community and therefore our family will continue supporting the place where we can always find knowledge.
The Kastenholz Family
July 1999
THE
KENDALL
FAMILY
A brick discarded from the pre-1976 library building is part of our patio. We are pleased that we can return the favor and have a brick as part of the 1999 library. We hope our grandsons will recognize the Kendall Family brick as an important part of their heritage.
Dave and Bonnie Kendall
Brick Stories A to F
Brick Stories N to Z
For more information about donating a brick of your own, pick up a brochure in the library or call the Administration Office at (630) 960–1200.
