Things that I love about Downers Grove?:

To spend an evening at the Tivoli Theater is much like stepping back into time. The 1,000 seat theater is decorated in an ornate style reminiscent of when it first opened in 1928. I still find myself gazing at the ceiling, and locating little treasures to the eye every time I go there. On Friday and Saturday nights the audience is treated to a sing along from a grand pipe organ that lifts up from the stage. The mood of the patrons is always one of commaraderie, as each is about to partake in an enjoyable event. Popcorn and soda?...you get free refills on both, which can be dangerous for popcorn lovers like myself! And something that I don't see at very many shows, is an audience that applauds at the end of the movie, as if to thank the theater management for providing them with an evening of entertainment and enjoyment. The management waits in the lobby with large bowls of mints, offering each patron a good evening and safe drive home. And the price for the movie? $1.75!! Of course, they are second run movies, but it is well worth the wait to watch them at this movie house, amidst all that of it's grandeur.

The houses in Downers Grove are a blend of the very old, post war housing, and modern architect. My personal favorites are the older homes, the ones that hold a history within their walls, made up of the memories of the people that have lived there. But this town is known for houses that were built after that time, during the 1920's-40's. During this time a person could purchase the blueprints, supplies and tools to build a home, through a catalog. These are known as Sears Catalog Homes, and Downers Grove has over 150 of them spread throughout the town (see photo to right.)