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.

The Downers Grove Motel

The Downers Grove Motel according to the information on the back of this card was 2 miles west of Rt. 83 on Ogden avenue. Where exactly it stood I don't know. If you have any information about what is standing in it's place now, please comment.

Diesels in Downers

I recently came across the copied photo on eBay. Normally I only accept originals in my collection but I realized that the original of this photo might never come my way. The Burlington Rail Road appears to be promoting diesel power in Downers Grove. I'm not sure how the LaSalle fits into the picture. I imagine the other vehicles are all General Motors. If you have any knowledge of this 1930's happening please comment.

340 Burlington Ave.

When I lived on the north side of the tracks in Downers Grove I would come here to what was a hardware store for my home repairs. That was in the 70's. 340 Burlington is now some sort of a spa. Before it was a hardware store it was a Chevy Dealer. Things change. If you are familiar with this address please comment.

                                              

1016 Warren Avenue Downers Grove, Illinois

I came across this match book from an old Downers Grove Ford dealer. The address is 1016 Warren Ave. Google Maps show 1016 Warren Ave. to be near Every Days A Sunday. This doesn't seem likely. The Moose building is 1030 Warren Avenue so I'm guessing that Kestner Ford was the parking lot. If you know the facts, please comment.