📜 Mary Todd Lincoln’s connection to Batavia

As of last Tuesday, it’s been 150 years since Mary Todd Lincoln first stepped foot at Bellevue Place in Batavia.

In the spring of 1875, the former First Lady — widow of Abraham Lincoln, and mother to a concerned (and controlling) son — arrived at what was then a private women’s sanitarium on the west side of town.

She had just been declared legally insane by a Chicago jury. Her only living child, Robert, had testified against her.

Bellevue was a far cry from the state-run asylums of the era. Home to scenic walking paths, greenhouse-grown produce and hammocks in the shade, it operated under a philosophy of gentleness over physical restraint.

However, Mary’s stay was not voluntary. She spent less than four months at the facility before successfully lobbying for her release. She left Batavia that August to go live with her sister in Springfield.

Bellevue Place still stands today, repurposed as condos (I grew up a couple of blocks away — it’s a very cool building). Artifacts from Mary’s stay, including the bed she slept in, are on display at the Batavia Depot Museum.

More to the story

Her saga continues to spark debate a century and a half later. This recent Capitol News Illinois piece explores how historians still grapple with her legacy after a newly rediscovered collection of letters between Mrs. Lincoln and her family and friends has offered new insights into her mental illness.

Learn more about Mary Todd’s trial and stay in Batavia.

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🔋 LSVs: Safer. Street-legal. And way more fun.

If you’re picturing a golf cart, think again. Valor Carts’ electric low-speed vehicles (LSVs) are built for real roads — not just resort paths or cul-de-sacs.

Unlike golf carts, we’re talking seat belts, turn signals, mirrors, headlights, brake lights and a VIN that means you can actually register it with the DMV and take it on roads up to 25 mph.

What’s the point? These carts aren’t toys. You can safely (and legally) cruise the neighborhood, your favorite vacation town or off the beaten path as your heart desires. Oh, and they’re an absolute blast to drive.

📰 News to use

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☑️ Local checkup: In its latest health assessment report, Kane County has identified behavioral health, access to care, housing and food access as the top priorities that will shape how officials focus on neighborhood health improvements going forward.

☑️ Apartment project: Batavia officials endorsed a proposal for a $24M, 72-unit affordable apartment development along Route 25 near the Fox River, a sign of early progress in the city’s review and TIF funding process.

🔒 Tough decision: St. Charles is one of the few local towns (along with Geneva) that has yet to decide whether it will keep a 1% grocery tax when the state’s version expires — or instead choose to give itself a possible competitive edge over nearby cities.

☑️ Trending up: According to new census estimates, Kane County’s population grew by nearly 4K residents between 2023 and 2024 — led by a 9% surge in Hampshire — marking a rebound after years of decline.

☑️ Roadwork season: St. Charles will begin its 2025 Street Rehabilitation Project in early June, resurfacing more than 13 miles of roadway in three phases through October. View an interactive map showing which streets will be affected.

☑️ Ashton Ridge work: Starting May 27, Batavia will close sections of McKee Street and Van Nortwick Avenue for full road reconstruction and water main replacement, with work expected to finish before school resumes in August.

🏘️ In the community

☑️ Dangerous weed: Out of concern for local gardeners, experts are warning Illinois residents to be on the lookout for poison hemlock, a highly toxic invasive plant that can cause severe illness or even death through ingestion, inhalation or skin exposure.

☑️ Particles pics: Fermilab is now accepting applications for its 2025 Global Physics Photowalk, which will give 25 photographers access to behind-the-scenes lab spaces for a chance to compete in an international science photography contest.

☑️ Finding family: Kane County officials are seeking help locating the family of World War II Navy veteran Michael B. Zielinski to return a box of his military memorabilia, including two Purple Hearts and other personal items.

☑️ Swedish spotlight: Auditions are open for the annual Geneva’s Got Talent competition, now in its 14th year. Finalists will perform live during the Swedish Days Festival in June.

🎸 Live music

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The St. Charles summer concert series at the Lincoln Park gazebo downtown will hit its stride this week with shows on Wednesday and Thursday. Fingers crossed for some sunshine and warm temps.

👋 These folks live and breathe insurance — so you don’t have to

I’ll be honest with you: I dread dealing with insurance.

Choosing policies, calling hotlines, trying to speak with faceless reps (or AI chatbots)…it just makes my eyes glaze over.

That’s why Javelin Insurance in Campton Hills is such a breath of fresh air. They’re local, real people who really know their stuff — and they’re great at explaining it and making an expert recommendation without the jargon or upsell.

🤝 Local biz

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☑️ New podcast ep: Daddio’s Diner has been a downtown Batavia staple for years, but where did it all start? The latest “Area Code: Batavia” episode features Scott Beltran, who shares how a tight-knit community helped turn the diner into a local favorite.

☑️ Pond party: Aquascape in St. Charles will host a three-day waterlily planting and networking event June 2–4, bringing together pond and plant experts for live demos, workshops and the installation of over 100 waterlilies in their signature pond.

✳️ Swag for dad: For the dad who quotes Ditka, lives for golf and gets a kick out of “Chicago Pope” apparel…Urban Artisan has the Father’s Day gift he doesn’t know he needs — yet. Check out their top Father’s Day items.

🎯 Still advertising like it’s 2010? Print is sadly disappearing. Social is saturated. Big tech doesn’t care. Partnering with a hyperlocal email newsletter is the place where local businesses stand out. Ask about our easy advertising program.

🗞️ Un-classifieds

☑️ Local home sales: See recent property sales for Kane County — including this forest-adjacent, $925K Elburn estate with a six-car garage and a horse barn.

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

☑️ City meetings:

• Tuesday (5/27): Batavia Committee of the Whole (agenda) and multiple property annexation hearing (details)

• Wednesday (5/28): St. Charles Special City Council Meeting (agenda)

☑️ Police reports: Batavia police report summaries | Geneva police reports | St. Charles daily arrest log

🗓️ Events & Things to Do

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☑️ Senior Health & Fitness Day | Wed 5/28, 11AM-4PM | Delnor Health & Fitness Center, Geneva | Seniors get free access to the health center and its myriad benefits.

☑️ Little Free Library Event | Wed 5/28, 4-5:30PM | Red Hive Market, Batavia | Celebrate the opening day of a new free community library.

🎟️ Summer Fashion Show | Wed 5/28, 6-8:30PM | Moonlight Theatre, STC | A dynamic evening of wine, bites, comedy, raffles and fashion.

🎟️ Batavia Brew Walk | Fri 5/30, 4:30-9PM | Batavia | Have a good time at local breweries while supporting an amazing cause.

🎟️ Mid-American Canoe & Kayak Race | Sat 6/7, 8:30AM | Batavia & STC | Paddle down the Fox River and end with a party in the park.

📖 Thanks for reading

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