Plainfield history will be presented by a member of the Plainfield Historical Society at 2:30 p.m. Thursday, July 9, in the elms community Room at the Timbers of Shorewood retirement community, 1100 N. River Road. This is a free event and is open to the public.
The oldest community in Will County, Plainfield was originally named Walkers’ Grove. It flourished because of the DuPage River and established routes to Fort Dearborn (Chicago) and Ottawa. Some called this town “The Mother of Chicago,” because it sent lumber, mail and supplies to the city.
The Plainfield area was first settled in the 1820s with the construction of a sawmill on the DuPage River. The first 13 blocks of the Village of Plainfield, surrounding the current Village Green, were laid out by Chester Ingersoll in 1834.
The urban core continued to expand and evolve over the next 150 years. Recent growth has significantly affected Plainfield. In 1990, there were 4,557 people in the community, and according to the 2010 Census, Plainfield had a population of 39,581.
On August 28, 1990, a devastating tornado struck the community resulting in the loss of life and property. Despite the destruction, the community mustered its’ pride and strength, rebuilding better what it had lost.
The Timbers of Shorewood is a rental retirement community which provides independent and assisted living apartments and a full schedule of activities and services. Residents, whose needs may change, are able to stay in the same place and receive appropriate care.
For more information call 815-609-0669.
