🕰️ Local history all around us

When I first started this local newsletter, I didn’t appreciate the extent to which historic buildings and heritage sites would pop up in — and sometimes dominate — community conversations.

Whether it’s a spirited debate about preserving an old structure or finding new uses for a local landmark, it’s clear that many Tri-Cities residents deeply value our shared history.

With that in mind, I thought it’d be fun to surface a list of local spots that have earned a spot on the National Register of Historic Places:

Batavia

• Batavia Institute | 333 S. Jefferson St.

• Campana Factory | North of Batavia on N. Batavia Ave. (We did a little deep dive on this one last April)

• Dutch Mill | North of Batavia off IL 25

• Chicago, Burlington, and Quincy Railroad Depot | 155 Houston St.

• Louise White School | Washington Ave.

• First Methodist Church of Batavia | 355 1st St.

• Stearns-Wadsworth House | 1 S. 570 Bliss Rd.

• United Methodist Church of Batavia | 8 N. Batavia Ave.

• Judge Isaac Wilson House | 406 E. Wilson St.

• Mrs. A. W. Gridley House | 637 N. Batavia Ave.

• Holy Cross Church | 14 N. Van Buren St.

Geneva

• Central Geneva Historic District | Roughly bounded by Fox River, South, 6th and W. State Streets

• North Geneva Historic District | Roughly bounded by railroad tracks, Fox River, Stevens and W. State Streets

• Fabyan Villa | 1511 S. Batavia Ave.

• Geneva Country Day School | 1250 South St.

• Riverbank Laboratories | 1512 Batavia Ave.

• Elizabeth Place | 316 Elizabeth Pl.

• Pure Oil Station | 502 W State St.

St. Charles

• Durant House | NW of St. Charles off Dean St.

• Garfield Farm and Tavern | West of St. Charles at IL 38 and Garfield Rd.

• Hotel Baker | 100 W. Main St.

• City Building | 15 N. 1st Ave.

• Andrew Weisel House | 312 N. 2nd Ave.

• Hunt House | 304 Cedar Ave.

• William Beith House | 6 Indiana St.

• St. Charles Municipal Building | 2 E. Main St.

• Arcada Theater Building | 105 E. Main St. and 1st Ave.

• Joel H. Hubbard House | 304 N. 2nd Ave.

• Corron Farm | 7N761 Corron Road

Go deeper: Here’s a list of all Kane County sites on the National Register of Historic Places.

Many of these are probably familiar to you; others likely are not. What they all have in common are long, fascinating stories that connect them to the Tri-Cities and its people.

📰 News to use

The 🔒 symbol indicates a potential paywall.

☑️ Local housing: Geneva officials approved construction of the Prairie Grove residential development, a 24-unit townhome project on about six acres of land on Peck Road.

☑️ Healthy boundaries: Batavia officials will discuss enacting a ban on unregulated synthetic and psychoactive substances (including Kratom and Delta-8 THC) to protect public health and limit youth access.

☑️ Accountability push: State Rep. Dan Ugaste of St. Charles proposed an amendment to the Illinois Constitution that would allow voters to recall state lawmakers and local politicians through a petition process.

☑️ Immigration crackdown: Amid questions from local school districts, state education officials are advising Illinois schools to prepare clear policies to handle potential federal immigration enforcement actions on school grounds.

🔒 Verdict stands: An Illinois court upheld the conviction of Geneva resident Shadwick King for the 2014 murder of his wife, Kathleen King, confirming that he received a fair trial with evidence supporting his guilt.

☑️ Funding boost: St. Charles officials are set to discuss proposed amendments that would expand the city’s Business Improvement Grant (BIG) Program, which aims to help maintain the vibrancy of the downtown business community.

🏘️ In the community

☑️ STC legends: St. Charles North celebrated its first Athletics Hall of Fame class last weekend, honoring seven standout athletes and coaches who have shaped the school’s sports legacy.

☑️ First responder recognition: Batavia officials welcomed new Police Sergeant Bradford Wicks, celebrated Derek Heisler as the 2024 Firefighter of the Year and presented other awards during last week’s City Council Meeting. See photos here.

☑️ Nearby case study? With phone policies emerging as a hot topic in Tri-Cities schools over the past year, it will be interesting to monitor the impact of the Hinckley-Big Rock School District banning smartphones in schools.

☑️ Shaping the future: Know any local education professionals who lead by example and enrich the lives of their students? Nominations for Kane County Educator of the Year are now open.

☑️ Pet improvements: Kane County Animal Control hopes that a $10K donation from the estate of the late Sylvia Snyder will allow the organization to install a water fountain for dogs near Peck Farm Park in Geneva.

☑️ Local date night: From surprising outdoor activities to foodie destinations and indoor games, St. Charles offers plenty of entertainment options for the winter months. Check out these recommendations for planning the perfect STC date night.

🎸 Live music

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Music news: St. Charles' Baker Community Center will host the Norris Cultural Arts Center's spring "Saturday Night Lights" concert series starting March 1, featuring a creative twist on classic hits and a deal for group tickets.

Plus, here’s your final-week-of-January live music roundup, including a special Tuesday night Matt Keen show at The House Pub.

🛍️ Local biz

☑️ Handmade haven: The Batavia Chamber celebrated the opening of 63rd Street Apothecary — a skincare and wellness boutique — with a special ceremony on Friday at its Wilson Street location. See photos from the event.

☑️ Tropical pursuit: Find flamingos, snap photos, win prizes. Sounds fun, right? Discover which local businesses around town are participating in Geneva’s FlaminGO scavenger hunt so you can get in on the action from February 1-17.

☑️ Built for burritos: Perhaps you’ve been wondering about the building being erected on Rt. 64 near Charlestowne Mall? Chipotle is moving across the street to a new location that will feature a "Chipotlane" drive-through for pickup orders.

☑️ Beyond beer: Geneva’s Penrose Brewing announced that Unwind Hemp Derived Sparkling Beverages is incubating in their space — making the brand’s beverages available in the taproom.

🗞️ Un-classifieds

☑️ Local home sales: See recent property sales for Kane County — including a $4.85M home at 834 Sunset Road in Geneva — said to be the most expensive home sale in Kane County history (🔒).

☑️ Local obits: Recent obituaries posted by Tri-Cities funeral homes.

☑️ First impressions: Reaching new movers early with offers through the services of Welcome Home Batavia & North Aurora can increase the chance of turning them into loyal customers while boosting brand recognition for your business.

☑️ City meetings:

• Monday (1/27): St. Charles Special City Council Meeting (agenda)

• Tuesday (1/28): Batavia Committee of the Whole (agenda)

☑️ Police reports: Batavia police report summaries | Geneva police reports

☑️ Metra tips: One of our readers compiled some helpful info about recent confusion caused by platform changes and winter weather challenges at the Geneva Metra station.

🗓️ Events & Things to Do

The 🎟️ symbol indicates an admission fee.

☑️ Lunar New Year Celebration | Tues 1/28, 1:30-2:30PM | Geneva Public Library | Get ready for the Year of the Snake with activities, symbols and foods.

🎟️ Niche Goes German | Wed 1/29, 5:30PM | Niche, Geneva | Enjoy an authentic German five-course meal.

🎟️ All Canada Show | Thurs 1/30 - Sun 2/2 | Kane County Fairgrounds, STC | The best event if you’re into fishing or hunting up north (I’ve attended many times).

🎟️ The Odd Couple | Thurs 1/30 - Sat 2/1 | Batavia Fine Arts Centre | BHS presents a fresh, female version of the popular play.

🎟️ STC Alumni Bowling Bash | Fri 1/31, 6:30PM | St. Charles Bowl | Bowl with fellow alumni and raise money for a great cause.

🎟️ Page to Stage | Sat 2/1 & Sun 2/2, Various Times | Hunt House Creative Arts Center, STC | A live, dramatic staged reading of original literary works.

📖 Thanks for reading

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