Interest Points of St. Charles, Illinois

Antiques - There are MANY antique stores in St. Charles, additionally the Kane County Flea Market is held once a month at the Kane County Fair Grounds on the West Side of St. Charles. This is one of, if not the largest antique events in the midwest. If you are traveling to St. Charles be sure to book a room in advance as this is a big attraction.

St. Charles benefactors, Dellora and Lester Norris created the Spanish style theater for vaudeville and stage plays. Opening day was September 6, 1926. It houses one of the few remaining pipe organs. The theater interior is a must see. In recent years it has been used mainly as a movie theater.

Built by Colonel Baker as a memorial to his parents, Martha & Edward Barker, it was dedicated September 1st. 1952. The classic architecture of this church highlights beautiful stain glass windows. It is located on what was once the Ferson property.

William Beith House ( built 1850) 8 Indiana St., St. Charles, IL (630) 377-6424

Now located in what old timers will recall as the Texaco Gas Station. The St. Charles Heritage Centre houses a museum and records of the area. Many fascinating pieces of early history. They were previously located in the Muncipal Building. Call ahead for hours as their recent move may have caused a shift of open hours.

Colonel Edward J. Baker built the beautiful Hotel Baker on the site of the burned out Haines mill. Designed by Architects Wolf, Sexton, Harper & Trueax, the elegant hotel opened June 2, 1928. Known for it's Spanish architecture, lovely rose garden and sparkling oval glass dance floor. On the list of National Trust for Historic Preservation.

A magnificent tower of white Georgian Cherokee marble creates a spectacular sight each night as the dome of ever changing colored lights sparkles on the Fox River. A speaker system gently broadcasts music. Dellora and Lester Norris & Colonel Edward Baker funded construction of this wonderful structure, designed by architect R. Harold Zook, in the late 1930s, with opening day Labor Day, 1940. Be sure to stroll the area along Main Street and the River Walk to enjoy the sights and sounds. Christmas time is an extra special treat. The St.Charles Heritage Centre was housed here until recently. Prints of this beautiful building are available at the new location of the St. Charles Heritage Centre, at East Main and 3rd Streets.

This was the original City Hall, built in 1892. Later it housed the fire department. Today a recent addition between this building and the Municipal Building has expanded the space and bridged the decades of construction between the Municipal Building and the City Building.

Old Church Inn - 18 North 4th Street. Built in 1851 as St. Patrick's Catholic Church, it was used until 1912 when the current church was built. It remained deserted for many years, then in 1976 it was remodeled, restored and opened as a restaurant. Many old church items have been retained, including the old pews which are used for seating on the main floor.

Old Kent Bank - West Main Street and 2nd Street (Hwy 31) was the built in 1926 as the St. Charles National Bank, by Colonel Edward J. Baker. It is a classic pink marble bank with a rich marble and hardwood interior. The construction cost was $200,000.

Two paddle wheel boats, the St. Charles Belle and The Fox River Queen, cruise the Fox River toward South Elgin during the warm months, offering scenic views of the of the river and countryside.

Town House Books at 2nd and Cedar Avenue was purchased by the Clinton D. WING family when they arrived from New York in 1862. He was the second mayor of St. Charles. Three of Clinton and Margaret Wings older children died there in 1865 from illness; three more died in 1884 with scarletina. Three others, Clinton Jr., Harriet & Hortense, grew up, married and settled in the area. The store has a wonderful selection of books!

Two of my favorites are at the 4th of July and the Scare Crow Festival in October, but there are many others throughout the year. Check the Chamber of Commerce site for more information.

St.Charles Jr. Hi Class of 1936	History of St. Patrick's Catholic Church	Colonel Edward J. Baker	Remember When?
Wayne	Interest Points of St. Charles	Mt. St. Mary's	Places Named for?
Richard's Riot	Gates Legacy

St. Charles

Kane County, Illinois

Points of Interest