Community Corner
June Dates in Wheaton’s History
Rediscover the historical events that happened in Wheaton
June
June 1, 1987
“Zip Day” was celebrated in Wheaton (60187). Commemorative postcards were mailed and a small ceremony took place.
June 11, 1951
The Memorial Student Center (MSC), Wheaton College, was dedicated on June 11, 1951. It was built in memory of over 1,600 former students and graduates who served in World War II, and in honor of those 39 who gave their lives.
June 13, 1903
Birth of Harold Edward “Red” Grange nicknamed “The Galloping Ghost” and “The Wheaton Iceman.” He was a football halfback for the University of Illinois, the Chicago Bears, and the New York Yankees. His mother died when Red was 5 years old and his father, Lyle moved the family to Wheaton where Lyle became the chief of police. In his junior year Red lead Wheaton High School to an undefeated season. In his senior year, Wheaton High School won every game except the game against Scott High School in Toledo, OH. To help out his family financially, Red took a part-time job as an ice toter for $37.50 per week and became “The Wheaton Iceman.”
June 14, 1943
Billy Graham graduated from Wheaton College (anthropology)
June 15, 1918
Death of LaVerne T. Perrottet during the battle of Belleau Wood, France; LaVerne, the son of Wheaton Mayor Arthur Perrottet, was a marine who was killed in action in one of the bloodiest battles in WWI. His body was returned to Wheaton, transported on the USS Wheaton. He is buried at Wheaton Cemetery.
June 15, 1941
Death of Jarvis Hunt, noted architect and creator of many of the Wheaton Golf Colony cottages.
June 15, 1949
The new Chicago Aurora & Elgin Railroad administration building opened at 400 W. Liberty Drive. The one-story brick structure is now an office building.
June 20, 1853
The Town of Wheaton was officially recorded with Du Page County.
June 25, 1857
The Du Page County Fairgrounds moved to Wheaton on land donated by Jesse Wheaton; itincluded a racetrack.
These dates were provided by the City of Wheaton Historic Commission. If you have any comments, corrections or additions to the list, please contact us at: wheatonhistoriccommission@gmail.com. Thank you!