Memories of Life in Downers Grove

Homes and Neighborhoods

The Blaidas of Washington and Florence Streets

In 1951, Paul Blaida and wife Marjorie built their house, doing some of the work themselves, located on the west side of Washington Street near Ogden Avenue. They were the second family to build on the west side of that block. The property was formerly owned by Pierce Downer, founder of Downers Grove, was still owned by a descendent, and was being farmed before Paul and Marjorie built on it.

There wasn't a tree or a bush on the property since the soil was cultivated before. Paul and Marjorie planted several kinds of trees, bushes, perennials, and a vegetable garden. Trees were started from acorns, walnuts, and red bud seeds that originated from a farm where Marjorie's parents lived in central Illinois, as well as bushes given to Marjorie by a landscape teacher in Downers Grove and a scarlet oak from a Morton Arboretum acorn many, many years ago. An evergreen was purchased from Goding who eventually sold his business to Wannamaker. Paul and Marjorie still live on Washington Street.

Paul Blaida's father, John Blaida, build his house on Florence Street, beginning in 1915 and finishing it in 1916, on an eight-acre lot that John farmed. A barn was built for cows, hay, and grain. He planted many fruit trees: 40 cherry trees, 16 apple trees, 15 pear trees, two peach trees, and a plum tree. A large vegetable garden was also provided. On the property were geese, chickens, about two milk cows, two horses, wild guinea hens, pigs, and rabbits raised by Paul Blaida. John Blaida took the grain by horse and wagon to Moore's Mill near Hinsdale. Paul walked cows several miles away to be bred. John Blaida, with the help of his father-in-law, a bricklayer, made concrete blocks for the exterior of the house. This house was occupied by John Blaida and his wife Martha and seven children until 1993. There is now a very large new house on the site. Originally when John Blaida bought the Florence Street property, there were many acres of land all around him, nothing but prairie grasses.

Marjorie Blaida