Oral History Project

Alice H. Aubele was born in Chicago. After jets at Midway Airport started flying over their home, she and her husband looked for a new home for their family. They happened into Woodridge when driving home looking at other homes in the area. When they moved here, Woodridge consisted of dirt roads, cornfields, and a two-lane 75th Street. She’s lived in Woodridge for 54 years.

Interviewed on August 4, 2015 by Besiana Useni, Tim Cruz, and Beth Van Opdorp.

Fred Hohnke was born in Oak Park, Illinois and lived in Bellwood. As he and his wife were looking for a home, they saw signs along Route 53 about homes in Woodridge. He’s lived in Woodridge for 47 years and has been President of the Woodridge Park District for 20 years.

Interviewed on July 30, 2015 by Besiana Useni, Tim Cruz, and Beth Van Opdorp.

Faye Hoffman was born in Black Rock, Arkansas. Her husband worked at Argonne and a coworker suggested he look at houses in Woodridge to reduce his commute. She has lived in Woodridge for 54 years and was a Village Clerk for 2 years.

Interviewed on July 29, 2015 by Besiana Useni, Tim Cruz, and Beth Van Opdorp.

Carl Palaver’s parents came to America from Southern Austria (now Northern Italy) and settled in Hazelton, Pennsylvania. He is a retired manager technician who has worked at Princeton, Argonne, and Fermilab. He, his wife, and children moved to the area when he started a job at Argonne.

Interviewed on July 28, 2015 by Besiana Useni, Tim Cruz, and Beth Van Opdorp.

Jane Doe lived in Woodridge for 45 years. She was born in Chicago and moved to Woodridge with her husband because of the affordable housing. She was an administrative assistant working for the CFO and is currently retired.

Interviewed on July 7, 2015 by Besiana Useni, Tim Cruz, and Beth Van Opdorp.

Jo has lived in Woodridge for 49 years. She was born in Chicago and moved to Woodridge after getting married and having a baby. She and her husband were shocked to hear mooing on their first morning in Woodridge. She’s seen a lot of changes in Woodridge but believes the village is still a friendly, positive place.

Interviewed on July 2, 2015 by Tim Cruz, Maria Rodriguez, and Beth Van Opdorp.