Standing on the front lawn of Bellevue Place at 333 South Jefferson Street, it's important to recall its deep ties to the American Civil War; originally intended as a college, it became a sanatorium where women, including Mary Todd Lincoln in 1875, were treated for mental health issues following the war’s tragedies.

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The Monsignor William J. Donovan Bridge in Batavia, rebuilt in 2006-2007 with significant federal funding secured by Congressman Dennis Hastert, stands as a symbol of the city's connection to Fermilab and a gift to its citizens.

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Monsignor Donovan, a strong advocate for ecumenicalism, played a key role in establishing "Thursday school," a program allowing Batavia public school students to receive religious instruction at their chosen church during school hours.

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Monsignor William J. Donovan, pastor of Holy Cross Church for 37 years, continued to reside in Batavia after retirement and became known for his daily walks through the town, tracing a cross-shaped route on the streets.

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Monsignor Donovan's daily walks through Batavia served as an informal communication network, allowing him to discuss history with like-minded clergy and gather community news.

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At the intersection of Sager Way and Stubble Road, we remember Sager's iconic moment in baseball history when he rushed onto the field to interview Hank Aaron after his record-breaking home run, forever capturing one of the sport's most celebrated events.

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Ozier Street, named after Johnny Ozier, a former slave who escaped, joined the Union Army, and became a beloved handyman in Batavia known for his kindness and willingness to help others, stands as a tribute to his remarkable life and impact on the community.

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In the late 1970s, as president of the Batavia Historical Society, Mayor Schielke proposed that new streets in Batavia be named after significant people, businesses, and clubs from the town's history, a suggestion enthusiastically supported and adopted by Alderman Bill Hamilton, leading to the tradition we follow today.

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Alboroski Street in Batavia honors the late Police Chief John D. Alboroski, who was admired for keeping the town safe but tragically lost his life in 1940 while pursuing a speeder, making his name a fitting tribute despite its difficulty to spell or pronounce.

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On December 7th, 1941, Francis Alboroski, who had joined the U.S. Navy after his father’s tragic death, was aboard the USS Arizona during the attack on Pearl Harbor, where he perished alongside 1,176 sailors; his and his father's sacrifices make naming a Batavia street in their honor deeply fitting.

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An old Batavia farmer recalled how Police Chief John D. Alboroski, who loved the area and often visited local farms, once predicted it would become one of the prettiest spots in Kane County, making it fitting to name a street in his honor.

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The street named after Steve Lusted honors the long-serving and beloved Assistant Fire Chief of Batavia, who was dedicated to the community, managed the city's street numbering, and was always present in times of need, making it fitting that this street intersects with another named after a local hero.

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