Plainfield Historical Society

10/16/2026

Stop by the museum tomorrow and uncover something new about Plainfield. Our town’s rich history is packed with stories of fascinating people, remarkable places, and memorable events. You won’t want to miss the latest “new” additions to our gas station collection. And every week, fresh donations bring even more intriguing artifacts to explore.

The Museum is open tomorrow from 1 - 4 p.m. During the week, we are open T-W-TH from 9 a.m. until Noon.

Through October 24th, the Depot is open Saturdays, from Noon until 3 p.m.

To help ensure that the voices of the past continue to be heard and that significant places will be preserved, please consider becoming a member of the Plainfield Historical Society. You can choose to visit the museum and fill out a Membership Form in person or you can visit our Membership page on our website at:
https://plainfieldhistoricalsociety.org/.../membership/php

10/15/2026

This photo was recently donated to the museum. Unfortunately, the woman shown is unidentified. Her hat is the first thing you notice, but take a closer look at how elegantly she is dressed.

Don't you wish we knew more about her?

10/13/2026

Improvements to benefit swimmers ... and fish ... at Electric Park
(Joliet Evening Herald, October 6, 1913)

10/09/2026

Let's talk about Plainfield!

The Plainfield Historical Society Museum will be open tomorrow from 1 - 4 p.m.
The Museum is also open T-W-Th, from 9 a.m. to Noon.

The Depot is open from Noon until 3 p.m. through October 24th.

Interested in Plainfield's History? Become a member of the Plainfield Historical Society. Together, we 'll keep the spirit and stories of Plainfield, Illinois alive. Your support ensures that the voices of the past continue to be heard and that significant places will be preserved, reminding present and future generations of the lessons, triumphs and challenges of those who came before us.

Please go to the Membership page on our website to join (or visit the museum to fill out a Membership Form in person):
https://plainfieldhistoricalsociety.org/.../membership.php

10/08/2026

Look at all of the trees! These two photos were recent donations to our museum.

10/06/2026

Harry Boardman buys first reaper in Will County.

10/02/2026

Let's talk about Plainfield! (Photo explanation at the bottom of this page.)

The Plainfield Historical Society Museum will be open tomorrow from 1 - 4 p.m.

The Museum is also open T-W-Th, from 9 a.m. to Noon.

The Depot is open from Noon until 3 p.m. through October 24th.

Interested in Plainfield's History? Become a member of the Plainfield Historical Society. Together, we 'll keep the spirit and stories of Plainfield, Illinois alive. Your support ensures that the voices of the past continue to be heard and that significant places will be preserved, reminding present and future generations of the lessons, triumphs and challenges of those who came before us.

Please go to the Membership page on our website to join (or visit the museum to fill out a Membership Form in person):
https://plainfieldhistoricalsociety.org/.../membership.php

Photo: This photo shows the dismantling of the white round barn that once stood on the Ronald George farm on 119th north of Plainfield (corner of what is now Rodeo and Weber Roads). After being stored at the Earl Lambert farm, the barn was rebuilt and now stands on the former Wayne Fry farm, across from the John F. Kennedy School on Essington Road.

10/01/2026

09/29/2026

Many hands make light work ...

On Sept. 28th, from 9-1 p.m., a workday took place at the Turner-Mottinger house on Lockport Street. Helpers included: Madison Basso, Kevin Cygan, John Dixon, Sue Hasenyager, Michael Lambert, Linda Ozbolt, Arnie Ozbolt, and Jerry Pennington. A former resident of the house, Martha Huling, along with her family, stopped by to visit old home.

The day before, Sue Hasenyager, Sue Sauvageau and Michael Lambert gathered to deconstruct the Historical Society's Homecoming float.

09/29/2026

A few more Plainfield Homecoming memories from this past Saturday ...

Plainfield Historical Society President Michael Lambert served as one of the parade judges. What a beautiful day for Plainfield's 74th Homecoming parade!

As noted in last week's post, the 50-year class, the Class of 1976, won first place in the float category all four years of high school. Saturday the tradition continued as the class won first place in the Alumni Category.

The class held their reunion dinner at the Sanctuary. This photo will be printed out, with all individuals identified and will be placed in our Class of 1976 file at the museum. (Photo courtesy of '76 Class member Michelle Schofield Smith.)

If you have any photos from this year's homecoming (or any homecoming for that matter), that you would like to donate to the museum, please let us know. We'd love to add them to our files!