Guest Column: Bolingbrook's Road to Incorporation

Editor's Note: The following article was written by the Bolingbrook Historical Commission.

In the early 1960s, the lure of affordable housing, open space and fresh air brought families to the "Bolingbrook Subdivision" of Dover Construction Company. Westbury, Colonial Village and Kings Park were home to families looking for their American Dream. 

These families soon discovered that to make their house a home—and their homes a community—they would have to join their neighbors in working for an organized form of municipal government. 

Homeowners associations quickly sprang up with ideas to improve the area and provide the much needed services expected with owning a home. 

So it was in 1963, community leaders realized the need for timely police and fire responses, road improvements, and utility issues.

But their push for incorporation was soundly defeated by a three-to-one margin. 

In May 1965, community leaders again began plans for incorporation.  A committee consisting of James Thurby, William Schlegel and Roy Lyman were appointed to plan a general meeting for community members who were for incorporation. 

With a favorable response, the committee decided to set the 25th of September, 1965, as the referendum date for the Incorporation of Bolingbrook. 

More than 1,300 residents turned out to vote and "Bolingbrook Subdivision" became the Village of Bolingbrook. 

On October 6, 1965, that vote became official and Jack Leonard would become the first Village President. 

It was through foresight, dedication, hard work, bake sales, and White Elephant auctions that the rose from the muddy, unpaved streets to the community we see today.

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