The city officially adopted the nickname "The City of Lights" in 1908, because it was one of the first cities in the United States to implement an all-electric street lighting system in 1881.
Beginning in the boom period, the town was inclusive and tolerant, and welcomed a variety of immigrants and openly supported abolitionism prior to the American Civil War. Mexican migrants began arriving after 1910. Socially, the town was progressive in its attitude toward education, religion, welfare, and women. The first free public school district in Illinois was established in 1851 and a high school for girls four years later. By 1887, 20 congregations, including two African American churches, representing nine denominations were established, and a YWCA started in 1893, still in operation today.
Downtown Aurora is home to the Paramount Theatre, a large live performance theater on the National Register of Historic Places, and the Hollywood Casino. There is also the Leland Tower, a former hotel which was the tallest building in Illinois outside the Chicago city limits and is on the National Register of Historic Places. Downtown Alive, a festival that includes live music and a variety of food booths, is held on three weekends (Friday and Saturday night) in the summer; Blues on the Fox (featuring national blues artists) is held on the Friday and Saturday of Father's Day weekend. Roughly 8,000–13,000 people attend.
The annual precipitation for Aurora is about 40 inches. The record high for Aurora is 111 °F, on July 14, 1936. The record low is -26 °F, on January 20, 1985. The average high temperature for Aurora in July is 84 °F, the average January low is 10 °F. Aurora has not been struck by any major tornadoes in recent history, although they occur in the area annually. The city can still receive heavy snowfall and experiences blizzards periodically.
Because Hispanics could be counted in other races, the totals above could possibly be more than 100%. If you would like a detailed listing of all ethnic groups in the U.S., please Click Here.
Whatever It Takes -
1725 Farnsworth, Aurora, IL, (312) 933-0907
DINING - CATERING
Ciara's Place - 31 N Broadway - Aurora, IL 60505 (630) 844-9904
Comfort Zone Barbeque Restaurant - Mouth watering BBQ, Mississippi Fried Catfish, Peach Cobbler, Banana Pudding, more. 37 West New York Street - (630) 897-7096
- (visit website)
VIDEO CONNECTION
See everything that Aurora, IL has to offer its residents and visitors. Truly a place for entertainment!
St. John A.M.E. Church - Waubonsie Valley High School - (Corner of Eola Road and Ogden Avenue)
Aurora, IL 60504 - (630) 898-5333 - (visit website)
ENTERTAINMENT
America's Historic Roundhouse - Restaurant, bar, comedy club and Chicago wedding banquet facility owned by former Chicago Bears Walter Payton 205 N. Broadway, Aurora IL 60505 - (visit website)
ANNUAL EVENTS
The Downtown Alive! In historic downtown Aurora, Illinois on Galena Boulevard between River and Broadway.- (visit website)
The Downtown Alive! Festival Series takes place in June and July on select Fridays from 6:00 pm — 10:00 pm and on specific Saturdays from 2:00 pm — 10:00 pm.
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