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Centuries ago, members of the Potawatomie tribe lived along the beautiful DuPage River on lands that would later become the village of Woodridge. Situated on high ground populated by wide strands of oaks and maples, this land was rich in natural beauty. The modern history of Woodridge began on farmlands that became home to people who emigrated from Alsace-Lorraine, Bavaria, and Prussia. Woodridge was incorporated on August 24, 1959, when the village had 500 residents. Today, it is a prosperous and progressive community with over 33,000 residents. The area is resplendent in its history as well as its present-day caring and thoughtfulness, and Woodridge has been fortunate to have astute leadership, including Mayor Gina Cunningham and Village of Woodridge administrator Al Stonitsch.
About the author
Jo Fredell Higgins, a retired teacher with a master's degree in elementary education from Northern Illinois University, is an internationally published author and award-winning photographer, historian, and essayist. She was named a YWCA Woman of Distinction in 2004 and a Compassion Foundation Community Champion in 2012. She was also named Illinois Volunteer of the Week on April 12, 2021, by the office of Illinois governor J.B. Pritzker.
