Some paper things from the DG past

            In 1908 Downers Grove got a new resident. She sent this card to an old friend.

                                    There was a drug store in Downers Grove.

If the local food caused her a few digestive problems she might have purchased some Apricot Pills.

This was mostly before the automobile so she might have had a horse. If so, she must have visited the corner of Maple  and Main.

The horse shoe is the only hint of what business this was. Does this explain why this business no longer exists?

Intreeg - The puzzle

I came across this puzzle on eBay a while ago. It is called Intreeg and it was made here in Downers Grove by a company named Rite Rite. Smart people have difficulty solving this puzzle because smart people know that nobody would make and sell a puzzle that can't be solved. The smarter they are the longer they take to give up.

The Greatest Toy Story Ever!

During World War II the Frank Curran Company of Downers Grove supplied hand grenades for the US Army. When the war was over, rather than discard the remaining grenade parts, through a stroke of entrepreneurial genius, the remaining pieces were turned into a child's toy. The Curran Company created the Howie Cannon. The barrel of the cannon was once a hand grenade detonator. The trailing leg was once the "Spoon". Where the axle passed through was once where the grenade pin would have been.

The toy came in a least 2 styles of boxes and came with wooden artillery shells. The shells are dropped down the barrel. The spring loaded crank at the end of the barrel is turned. When it reaches the drop in the cam the powerful spring shoots out the shell. I have used steel brads as shells and there is a real danger of putting ones eye out.
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Junk from the past - August 13, 2012

Over a century ago somebody worked hard and long with chickens to win, earn this 3 handled silver cup.

                            They probably found this manual very useful.

                This is serious copyright protection from a century ago.

There was a time when phone numbers only had 4 digits and you could buy Quality Meat on Ogden Avenue.

There once was a time when drinking and smoking went together very well. This Downers Grove product served as a coaster for the drink and ashtray for the cigarette.

The Frank Curran Company made this product. I think a museum could be filled with products of the Frank Curran Company. I have many.

                                 Back in 1961 a rifle or shot gun was used in hunting.

Kodak PlaySport Black Pocket Camcorder 1515246

A few shots of Downers Grove

If you have an interest in communicating with God, the parking deck should be a first choice. You can get up high above the down town and on a weekend you won't be bothered by others.

During the Friday night car shows there has been a group of young men hanging out. They might be police officers.

                    Aesthetics are somewhat different in Downers Grove.