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black and white road map of old Oak Brook

Archives

Here, you'll find a curated collection of historical articles, rare photographs, vintage videos, and other fascinating glimpses into our community’s heritage. Whether you're a longtime resident, a history enthusiast, or simply curious about Oak Brook’s story, we invite you to explore and uncover the moments that shaped our town.

Browse through decades of memories, revisit local landmarks, and discover the people and events that have defined Oak Brook. Our archives are continuously updated, so be sure to check back often for newly added treasures!

Fullersburg, Illinois

Fullersburg is a former village in Downers Grove Township and York Township, DuPage County, Illinois near the Cook County border. Though never incorporated in its own name, the area is historically important to the development of Oak Brook and Hinsdale. The area was originally called Brush Hill and was claimed by Orente Grant when the Indian land in Illinois was ceded to the United States government in the 1833 Treaty of Chicago. Benjamin Fuller, of Broome County, New York, arrived in 1835 with his parents Jacob and Candace Fuller and some other relatives, and settled at Ginger Creek at what later became Spring Road in Oak Brook. Ben Fuller built a house in 1840 on what is now York Road. (By 1985, this Fuller House had moved into the Fullersburg Woods Forest Preserve from its original location.) By 1851, Fuller owned most of the area, and in 1851 subdivided, platted; and changed the name from Brush Hill to Fullersburg.

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Take a tour of Fullersburg. Below are some historic photos showing the people, places, and many enterprises of Fullersburg mainly clustered around the intersection of Ogden Avenue (then known as Old Plank Road) and York Road. ​​

Fullersburg Area Directory

Fullersburg Base Map.jpg
19 / J.R. Ruchty, Grand Pacific Hotel
20 / Toll Gate and Barto VonVelzer House
21 / Orente Grant House
22 / M. Coffin Farm
23 / Edwin Fuller Farm
24 / John Fuller Farm
25 / Castle Inn
26 / J.F. Ruchty House
27 / W. Bullerman, Blacksmith
28 / Fred Tunk, Wagon Maker
29 / John Coe, Blacksmith
30 / Slmeron Ford Store
31 / George Ruchty House
32 / Jacob / Morell Fuller House
33 / School House
34 / Cemetery
35 / Walker Farm
1 / Potawatomi Village
2 / Benjamin Fuller Original Cabin
3 / Jacob Fuller's Cabin
4 / Mammoth Spring
5 / John Marshall
6 / John Hemshell
7 / St. John's Church
8 / J.F. Ruchty Ice House / Mammoth Springs Ice Company
9 / Salt Creek
10 / Graue Mill
11 / Frederick Graue House
12 / The Farmer's Home / York Tavern
13 / Lt. King House
14 / Ben Fuller Farmhouse
15 / Forrest, Shoemaker
16 / Hicks, Butcher
17 / Dance Hall
18 / Fox Brothers General Store and J.P. Mohr, Butcher

Photo Collection

Looking for something specific or interested in exploring more photos from Oak Brook's past? Stop by the Heritage Center—we’d be happy to show you around!

Black and white photo of Oak Brook Polo players

Celebrating our shared legacy.

We are open weekly on Wednesdays from

10:00 AM-2:00 PM. For other visiting opportunities or Group Tours please call us to arrange.

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Email: oakbrookhistory@gmail.com

Phone: (630) 368-7750

Oak Brook Heritage Center

1112 Oak Brook Rd.

Oak Brook, IL 60523

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© 2024 Oak Brook Historical Society

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