FGNA Logo. Image credited to FGNA.Founders' Grove is a neighborhood in Bloomington-Normal.

History

Residence in Founders' Grove 1907. Image credited to Rochelle Gridley.

Street map 1914. Image credited to Rochelle Gridley.

Founders' Grove was established in the 1800s, starting out as farming area with only a handful of homes on the edge of the city.^[1] This included one of the most famous homes in Bloomington, a national historic landmark since 1975, the David Davis Mansion.^[2] Early residents included prominent figures in the city's history such as Oliver Munsell, president of Illinois Wesleyan University from 1857 to 1873, and Dr. Eli K. Crothers, famous for a medical malpractice suit in 1855 called the "Chicken Bone Case" as he was represented by Abraham Lincoln.^[3]

In the late 1800s as the neighborhood grew more populous and became less of a farm-based community, a racetrack and fairground were built next to the neighborhood, directly outside the city limits, though they were gone by the early 1900s.^[4] By 1914, the neighborhood looked much more like it does today, with smaller residential lots and modern street names, except an electric tram line ran through Washington, Vale, and Clay streets. Residents of the time include an eccentric tailor who planned to build a home with a deer, peacock, and swan park, though it has yet to be confirmed if he ever achieved this.^[5]

According to a US Consensus in 1920, it was common for extended families to live together, especially after a sibling was widowed. The Consensus also showed that the immigrant population in the neighborhood was growing, with most emigrating from Mexico, Sweden, and western Europe.^[6]

The neighborhood really boomed between 1900 and 1920, between recovering from the great fire that took place in 1900 and later the nationwide influence of The Roaring Twenties.

Architecture

Residence in Founders' Grove. Image credited to FGNA.

The majority of homes in Founders' Grove were built between 1900 and 1920. The architecture of the neighborhood reflects that, as the homes are an assortment of architectural styles popular at that time. Walking in the neighborhood gives one a sense of stepping into another time.

Architect Arthur L. Pillsbury designed many of the homes in Founders' Grove. His method for design was unique; he was known to ask his clients what they wanted and what they could afford, and he took the design from there. This distinctiveness can be seen in the homes he designed.^[7]

Charles E. Hall, another architect, also designed many of the homes in Founders' Grove, including the MagicHouse, a Gothic revival style home originally built for himself and his family, currently known for hosting many local events including wine tastings and Halloween events.^[8]

Groups and Organizations

Founders' Grove Neighborhood Association (FGNA)

Founders' Grove Neighborhood Association (FGNA) is Founders' Grove's primary neighborhood organization. The non-profit organization was founded in 2001. FGNA's mission is to organize social gatherings and create a sense of community for the neighborhood.

FGNA Mystery Book Club

FGNA Mystery Book Club is a "casual group of enthusiastic readers who try a wide variety of authors in the genre, but nothing too creepy."^[9] The group meets the third Thursday of every month at the home of one of the local residents. Calendar dates and the book of the month can be found on both the FGNA website and Facebook page. New book club members are always welcome.

The OM Tribe

Yoga in the Grove 2015. Image credited to FGNA.

The OM Tribe is a non-profit organization that offers weekly yoga classes and is open to the community. All classes are free and open to all, regardless of experience level or age. The group meets at Franklin Park from May-September and Lawrence Irvine Neighborhood Center from October-November. The seven teachers are rotated by schedule, each bringing a unique expertise to the practice from dance to biology. The group was founded in 2013 by certified Kripalu and prenatal yoga teacher Tonya Keach.

Meetups and Events

Founders' Grove has many meetups and events, with most being coordinated by the Founders' Grove Neighborhood Association. This includes regular monthly and annual events, such as "happy hours, scavenger hunts, ice cream socials, parades, live music, book clubs, and much more."^[10]

Architectural Walk

Architectural Walk 2015. Image credited to FGNA.

The Architectural Walk is an annual walking tour exploring the history and architecture of homes in Founders' Grove. Different homes are featured each year, and each tour has an overall theme such as the small house tour. Guests receive handouts with information about the homes they will be visiting, including pictures of the homes today and historic floor plans and renderings. The tour is led by historian Greg Koos and has taken place since 2012.^[11]

Cinema Under the Stars

Cinema Under the Stars is an annual event for families to watch a movie together outdoors, described as a modern, family-oriented take on drive-in movie theaters. It takes place in late August at the MagicHouse and is a collaboration between the MagicHouse and Founders' Grove Neighborhood Association. Snacks and beverages are provided at the event, but blankets and chairs are not.

Dimmit's Grove Chili Cook-Off

Dimmit's Grove Chili Cook-Off is an annual contest between Dimmitt's Grove Neighborhood and the other downtown neighborhoods, which Founders' Grove participates in every year. The event began in 1988 and takes place in early October. The contest has three primary categories: Best Overall Chili, Most Unusual Chili, and Hottest Chili. Winners are awarded a Dimmitt's Grove apron. Prizes such as pumpkins and mums are awarded to winners of the other categories: best dessert, best side dish, and best appetizer. Table service and beverages, including cider, tea, and coffee, are provided by the coordinators of the event. Attendees are also encouraged to bring canned and boxed goods as donations for local charities such as Clare House.

FGNA Palooza

FGNA Palooza 2015. Image credited to FGNA.

Founders Grove Neighborhood Association Palooza (FGNA Palooza) is an outdoor event featuring live performances by local musicians, poets, and comedians that takes place every September. The festivities begin in the early afternoon on a Saturday at the home of a local resident and take place until the evening. The Healthy in a Hurry food truck is on site during the event however guests are expected to bring their own beverages, blankets, and chairs.

July 4th Parade

Founders' Grove has hosted a July 4th Parade since 1957. During the event, donations are collected for local charities like the Clare House.

Market in the Grove

Market in the Grove is an annual neighborhood produce exchange. The event takes place weekly during the growing season, usually beginning in early August. All of the produce is free and guests do not have to bring produce to take any home because the produce at the event is surplus.

Palooza-Ween Happy Hour

Palooza-Ween Happy Hour is a family-friendly Halloween and musically themed event that takes place every October at the MagicHouse. Activities include a lip syncing contest, participants are asked to submit their songs prior to the event, a drawing, live music, and potluck. Popcorn, soda, and the host's signature Halloween chil is provided during the event. Guests are encouraged to wear costumes.

Vinyl Hullabaloo Party

Vinyl Hullabaloo Party 2015. Image credited to FGNA.

The Vinyl Hullabaloo Party is an annual event for residents of Founders' Grove to gather and listen to vinyl records together. Guests do not need to bring vinyl records to participate but are encouraged to, along with their own chairs, snacks, and beverages. The event has taken place since 2012.

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