Downers Grove
PAST AND PRESENT
Embedded Files
Every building has a story.
Every street is a path through time.
A book that captures glimpses of the past in today’s familiar places, preserved in print.
Downers Grove: Past and Present pairs rare historic photographs with modern images taken from the same vantage points, creating a before-and-after experience that highlights how the town has grown, changed, and adapted over time. Each pairing offers a clear visual comparison that invites readers to slow down, look closely, and recognize places they pass every day.
What's Inside?
Discover 39 side-by-side comparisons that reveal a century of Downers Grove’s transformation. From iconic landmarks like the Tivoli Theatre, Band Box Cleaners, and Main Street Cemetery to the hidden corners you may have walked past a hundred times without noticing, each page offers a glimpse into the village’s past. Most pages include historical information that helps tell the village’s story across the decades.
72 pages
10" x 10"
Paperback
Color/Black and white
Tivoli Theatre
Tivoli Theatre
Band Box Cleaners
Band Box Cleaners
Main Street Cemetery
Main Street Cemetery
Pre-Order Now
Downers Grove: Past and Present
Author: Greg Elisha
$35.00
Format: Softcover
ISBN: 979-8-9938058-0-1
Publish Date: 1/1/2026
About the Author
About the Author
Greg Elisha has called Downers Grove home for nearly 25 years and has developed a lasting appreciation for the town and its history. A longtime history enthusiast, he served for seven years with the Downers Grove Historical Society, engaging with the stories behind the places that shape the community.
This book grew out of Greg’s interest in historical photography and his love for the Downers Grove. By pairing historic images with present-day views, Downers Grove: Past and Present invites residents to recognize familiar locations and discover what once existed there, offering a unique visual journey through the town's evolution.
© 2025 Greg Elisha | Downers Grove — Past and Present
The “Before” photographs are used courtesy of and with permission from The Downers Grove Museum and the Downers Grove Historical Society. All rights to the reproduction of these historical images remain with the respective institutions.
The “Before” photographs are used courtesy of and with permission from The Downers Grove Museum and the Downers Grove Historical Society. All rights to the reproduction of these historical images remain with the respective institutions.
Do you have historic photos of Downers Grove buildings, streets, or landmarks? We’d love to include them in the next edition! Please email oakcreekpress@gmail.com
Google Sites
Report abuse