12 Days of West Chicago Artifacts: Celebrations & Community
12 Days of West Chicago Artifacts
As part of our 12 Days of WeGo History series, we’re celebrating the stories behind some of the most meaningful pieces in our collection. With nearly 40,000 artifacts to choose from, we couldn’t possibly pick just 12, so each day we are sharing a themed group that helps tell the story of West Chicago.
This year’s series is also in conjunction with our preparation for the 250th anniversary of the United States by highlighting local history in a national context.
Community celebrations are the heartbeat of local life. They create memories, strengthen bonds, and give us shared traditions that last across generations.
As we say goodbye to another year, we look back on some of West Chicago’s most joyful moments through the lens of photographs in our collection. With over 15,000 images in our archive, many of them capture parades, festivals, school plays, and everyday moments of joy.
On this New Year’s Eve, as the nation prepares to mark its 250th year, we honor how celebrations—big and small—have shaped who we are as a community.
July 4th parade-1922-marching band on West Washington Street near Bolles Opera House.
Annual Homecoming Day, September 5, 1927: Goetz float and some Goetz Hardware employees. Arvilla Kerst's father is at right.
1949 West Chicago Centennial Parade, Main Street
Rotary members, Fifth Anniversary of the West Chicago Chapter, 1958
High School Band in December 12, 1959 Christmas Parade
1997 Mexican Independence Day September 4, 1997
Winfield Township Celebration of 150 years, July 27, 2000, time capsule ceremony at Winfield Township offices, 130 Arbor Avenue, Winfield Township staff standing behind time capsule.
Want to explore more West Chicago artifacts on your own? Check out our online artifact database where we upload recently digitized items every month!
